"This is blackmail! In general, blackmail remains blackmail. However, these threats are very regrettable and unfortunate," - this is how Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze responded to a journalist’s question regarding Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s recent statement on potentially suspending visa-free travel with Georgia.
According to Kobakhidze, the Georgian people should not be subjected to threats simply because “some people do not like the democratic choices made by the Georgian people.”
"Of course, this is deeply regrettable. Yesterday, we heard threats directed at the Georgian people in the Polish Parliament, which naturally does not reflect well on the image of the European bureaucracy in Georgia. I hope that this attitude will change in the future. The Georgian people cannot be threatened simply because some individuals disapprove of their choices. Last year, our citizens clearly supported peace, national development, and European integration. Whether some people like it or not, this choice must be respected. Threatening the Georgian people is entirely unacceptable," said the Prime Minister.
He emphasized that such pressure tactics have not been effective in the past and will not sway public opinion in Georgia today.
"I believe this is an attempt at blackmail, hoping to influence the political process in Georgia. But the reality is that this type of pressure has been applied for years and has never worked on the Georgian people. So, yes, blackmail will remain blackmail - and these threats are truly regrettable."
For context, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently spoke in Parliament about the risks of illegal migration and mentioned Georgia in this context. He stated that he is prepared to use available legal tools - including limiting or suspending visa-free travel - to mitigate migration risks. Tusk clarified, however, that this applies not only to Georgia but also to other countries whose citizens may pose risks to public order in Poland and across Europe.
