Lithuanian FM: Restoring trust in Georgia’s democratic institutions requires free and fair elections

Ahead of the EU Foreign Ministers’ council in Brussels, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys emphasised Lithuania’s strong support for Georgia’s accession to the European Union.

He stated that restoring credibility to Georgia’s democratic institutions and processes depends on holding free and fair elections.

“The exit of this situation is the one we were calling for one year ago. We need to bring back the credibility of democratic institutions and processes in Georgia, and that is to organise the free and fair elections, and then to proceed further.

Otherwise, we see the degrading processes and backsliding of the democracy. That is really frustrating, especially knowing the big expectations that Lithuanian people had, and the expectations of Georgian people towards the European perspective. Lithuania has a lot of support for Georgia’s European membership.

I’m still a believer in the European future of Georgia. But of course, it doesn’t match the current situation and the measures that the current regime is applying against the political opposition and protestors. It’s absolutely unacceptable, and I’m really frustrated to see the trend.

We will continue to support civil society and organisations in Georgia. And I really hope that the Georgian regime will change its position and then also review strategically where Georgia belongs,” Lithuania’s FM stated.