A group of students gathered in front of the Polish Embassy in Georgia to demand that Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk apologize for his recent remarks regarding the potential suspension of the visa-free regime.

According to the students, Prime Minister Tusk’s stance appears to be an attempt at blackmailing the Georgian people, an action they firmly believe Georgia does not deserve.

“Prime Minister Tusk should apologise to the Georgian people for employing blackmailing language, which he indeed used. The Georgian people have always been friends of the Polish people. Moreover, the Polish nation has traditionally had a friendly attitude. However, Prime Minister Tusk is solely pursuing his personal interests and aligning himself with the ‘Deep State.’ We demand that he apologise to the people of Georgia. His actions are driven solely by self-interest, and the Georgian people do not deserve to face the consequences of visa liberalisation being jeopardised. This is merely a tool for blackmail,” stated student Khatia Rostomashvili, who participated in the demonstration.

On June 11, during a speech in the Polish parliament ahead of a vote of confidence in the government, Donald Tusk declared his readiness to employ all available means “to change international law to minimise the risk of illegal migration.” Tusk indicated that a majority vote is necessary to limit or suspend visa-free travel, including with Georgia.