“In general, the government is a part of the people; it is elected by the people. However, we see some actors exploiting this connection to draw a divide between the elected government and the Georgian people,” stated Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili.

Botchorishvili expressed pride in the choices made by the Georgian people.

“We are proud to be representatives of the Georgian people. We are proud that the Georgian people make their own decisions. Today, this is the only guarantee of peace, security, and stability in our country,” she affirmed.

The minister emphasised that “using any means to foster a negative agenda within the country is unacceptable.”

According to Botchorishvili, anyone wishing to criticise always has the opportunity to do so and spares no effort in doing so.

“May 26 marks Georgia’s Independence Day—a national holiday—and it is on this day that partners and friends extend their congratulations to the nation. Using a national holiday to sow discord or promote a negative agenda within the country is unquestionably unwelcome,” Botchorishvili stated.

French President Emmanuel Macron, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint statement on Georgia’s Independence Day, reading: “We, therefore, condemn all activities of the Georgian authorities resulting in the democratic backsliding and the attacks against civil society, media and government critics. Freedom of expression and of assembly must be upheld. Reports of excessive violence must be investigated. Laws that contradict European standards must be amended, and the much-needed reform process must be picked up again. The Georgian authorities need to re-establish a dialogue with the opposition and civil society. The people of Georgia should not be deprived of the opportunities associated with the country’s European path.”