TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has declared that peace and stability take precedence over retaining visa-free travel to Europe, rejecting a demand to cancel several laws considered anti-European by Brussels.
“If the choice is between peace and stability, or visa liberalization, we will choose peace and stability,” he said.
“Going to Europe with or without a visa is not an existential issue. Peace, stability, and family values are existential.”
In a formal letter, the EU this week demanded that Kobakhidze’s government must repeal several new laws introduced in recent years, regulating foreign-funded NGOs and LGBT ‘propaganda’, which Brussels says violate democratic principles. Analysts suggest Georgia’s ruling Georgian Dream party is unlikely to back down.
Some Georgians are urging public debate. “We are an Orthodox society and we have our attitudes towards the European values that Europe is trying to establish here,” said analyst Zaal Anjaparidze. “We are told that if you want to be a family member, you have to accept new values, even if they are not acceptable to you. Now our society has to say what and how it wants.”
EU officials have long warned that Georgia’s failure to meet its commitments could lead to suspension of the visa waiver, and possibly deeper consequences for the country’s EU membership bid. Georgian constitutional experts say the controversial laws could be repealed before an August 31 deadline if the government has the political will.
But many believe the ruling party, whose election strategy last year largely hinged on standing up to pressure including similar threats, will stand firm also ahead of this year’s local elections October 4.
