Opposition leader Tsereteli: Georgia’s EU candidate country status unlikely under current gov’t

It is unlikely Georgia will be granted EU candidate country status under the Georgian Dream (GD) authorities as there are a range of issues that remain unaddressed, Gigi Tsereteli, chairman of the Political Council of the European Georgia opposition party has told Front News.

 

He stated that it is important for Georgia to fill in and send a questionnaire it received today for its EU membership bid, “however, I have low expectations for the process to have a positive compilation under the Georgian Dream government.”

 

 “It is important that Georgia has applied for accelerated EU membership along with Ukraine and Moldova. This opportunity is the merit of Ukraine’s heroic struggle against Russian aggression which has convinced everyone that more drastic steps were needed. Of course, this is not a military alliance, but EU membership strengthens countries economically, politically, through the democratic process,” Tsereteli said.

 

However, Tsereteli stated  that Georgia is receiving critical assessments for various issues, including the country’s judiciary, democratic institutions, economy, alleged political persecution and others.

 

He said that the Georgian Dream government’s “stubborn and incomprehensible position” towards Ukraine and the war there also affects the state interests on its EU path.

 

Tsereteli said that he has expectations that a new government will come to power soon via snap elections which would ensure chances for the country’s EU membership.