“Raising the issue of visa liberalization is a speculation. Suspension of visa liberalization is practically impossible,” said Mamuka Mdinaradze, Executive Secretary of the Georgian Dream party at the briefing.

Mdinaradze remarked on the report on Visa Liberalization published by the European Commission. According to Mdinaradze, the “version is devoid of grounds.”

Mamuka Mdinaradze stressed that representatives of “Nats Agents” urge for it since they believe that neither Zelenskyy sanctions nor suspension of Strategic Partnership with the US serve “valuable” or come as a “rescue ring” to them.

“On the other hand, we should know that when the issue is put on the agenda and this is followed by the demand to repeal the Law on ‘transparency of foreign influence’ and the legislative package on ‘family values and protection of minors’ is unrealistic, and even if realistic – admit LGBT propaganda at kindergartens, schools or we will suspend it – I think the response is clear, the issue cannot be articulated like that.

The choice is obvious. However, the issue cannot be raised from the point of view of a practical decision, many people can talk about it,” he said.

Taking into account the developments in Georgia, the European Commission is reviewing a possible activation of the visa regime suspension mechanism for certain categories of persons.

“The adoption of the Law ‘on transparency of foreign influence’ in May 2024, and the adoption of the legislative package on ‘family values and protection of minors’ in September 2024 undermine the overall legal framework for upholding fundamental rights,” reads the report.