Mayor Kaladze: Georgian Gov’t ready for European Integration, but not under double standards

Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze stated that the Georgian government is ready to take concrete steps on the path to European integration, but not under what he described as existing “double standards.”

According to Kaladze, some European bureaucrats are using the issue of visa liberalization as a final tool to pressure and blackmail the Georgian people.

“The government is ready to act, but not in conditions where double standards apply — what is possible for others is deemed impossible for us. When they say transparency contradicts European values and hinders integration, the natural question is: why is transparency bad? We have never received any arguments, only political speculations aimed at harming the country and its people,” Kaladze said.

He argued that Georgia has previously faced pressure over its EU candidate status and accession talks, describing these as attempts to spark unrest in the country.

“In the end, what remains in their hands is the issue of visa liberalization, and with this they are trying to blackmail the Georgian population,” he added.

Kaladze also noted that as long as the war in Ukraine continues, the risk of attempts to open a second front in Georgia persists.

“Whether it was the Swedish or Danish Prime Minister, I don’t recall exactly, but during a meeting with Ukrainian soldiers, it was stated that Ukraine would not join the EU without legalizing same-sex marriage. There are many such components, including attempts to push us toward war. At times, our leaders were directly threatened. Of course, this danger has not disappeared — it still exists while the war continues,” Kaladze said.

The mayor emphasized that Georgia seeks partnership with international allies but will not allow national interests to be undermined.

“We want friends and partners, but not at the cost of trampling on our country’s interests. Friendship and partnership must be mutual,” he concluded.