DW interview with Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili | DW News

Key Concepts

• EU Accession Talks: The process by which a country negotiates to join the European Union.
• Georgian Dream Party: The ruling political party in Georgia.
• European Values: Principles and ideals associated with the European Union, often encompassing democracy, human rights, and rule of law.
• Traditional Values: Societal norms and beliefs, often emphasizing family structures and religious or cultural heritage.
• LGBTQ+ Propaganda Law: Legislation aimed at restricting the promotion of LGBTQ+ issues, often framed as protecting younger generations.
• Foreign Agents Law: Legislation requiring organizations receiving significant foreign funding to register as "foreign agents," intended to promote transparency.
• National Interests: The goals and priorities of a nation-state, particularly in foreign policy and economic matters.
• Double Standards: The application of different principles or rules to similar situations, often perceived as unfair.

Relations Between Georgia and the European Union

The relationship between Georgia and the European Union is currently in a state of stagnation. This follows the 2024 parliamentary elections, after which protests have continued, fueled by a perception among many Georgians that the current government is pro-Russian. Despite a strong public desire for EU membership, accession talks have been put on hold.

The 2024 Parliamentary Elections and EU Accession

• Election Context: The 2024 parliamentary elections saw campaigning from all parties focused on Georgia's European path, with a visible presence of EU flags at Georgian Dream rallies.
• Ruling Party's Stance: The Georgian Dream Party claims the 2024 elections were conducted without violations and were consistent with previous outcomes, with the party receiving a comparable level of support, typically between 1 to 1.2 million votes.
• Contested Results: The former president reportedly did not wait for the official announcement of the election results and denied their legitimacy.
• EU Recognition: Accession talks were put on hold because the EU did not recognize the election results, and these talks remain frozen.

Public Opinion and Political Alignment

• Pro-EU Sentiment: Polls indicate that approximately 80% of Georgians still wish to join the EU, representing a significant majority.
• Support for Georgian Dream: Concurrently, around 60% of the population supports the Georgian Dream party. This suggests that a majority of Georgians support both EU membership and the ruling party.
• Perceived Discrepancy: The President questions the difference between these two seemingly coexisting sentiments.

European Values vs. Traditional Values

• Government's Perspective: The government camp has articulated that Georgia is a conservative country and does not fully align with certain liberal European values, particularly concerning minority rights. Georgia is described as Christian and adhering to traditional family models.
• Constitutional Framework: The constitution, adopted by the Georgian Dream, is presented as clearly formulating rights and values, with inspiration drawn from the German constitution. It is stated to guarantee the rights of all citizens, including minorities, and that discrimination is unacceptable.
• Christian Roots of European Values: A significant part of European values is acknowledged as being rooted in Christian teachings.
• Distinction: A clear distinction is made between "European bureaucrats" and "core European values," which are seen as rooted in Christian and traditional principles.
• Marriage Definition: The ruling party defines marriage exclusively as a union between a man and a woman.
• Policy Focus: Government policy is based on protecting traditional values and shielding the younger generation from "LGBT related promotional influences."

Freedom of Expression and Political Opposition

• Party Bans: Concerns have been raised about freedom of expression in Georgia, particularly with three major opposition parties facing potential bans, with parliamentary passage and awaiting Supreme Court decision.
• Government Justification: The government attributes these actions to uncovering evidence of crimes committed by the previous government, aiming to establish full legal accountability. Open hearings were reportedly held in parliament on this matter.

Georgia's Relationship with Russia and Territorial Integrity

• Historical Context: Georgia's history is characterized as a constant fight against invaders, with Russia having been at war with Georgia in 2008 and still occupying parts of its territory.
• Criticism of Government Policies: Critics accuse the Georgian government of being too close to Moscow, citing policies and laws such as the "LGBTQ propaganda" law, planned party bans, and the foreign agents law, which are seen as mirroring Russian legislation.
• Government's Defense: The President denies any factual connection with the Russian government.
• Territorial Reintegration: The government expresses a commitment to the reintegration of occupied territories and their populations, viewing them as brothers and sisters.
• Pragmatic Foreign Policy: The government's policy is described as pragmatic, balanced, and realistic, born from past experiences of being left without support. These policies are based on national interests.
• Approach to Russia: The government argues that an aggressive stance towards Russia would not facilitate the return of occupied territories, especially given Georgia's non-NATO and non-EU membership status.

Protests and External Influence

• Protester Demographics: A significant portion of the 80% supporting EU membership are described as protesting in front of parliament, even in cold weather, against the government's perceived anti-European policies.
• Government's Interpretation of Protests: The President believes that many protesters, particularly youngsters, are under external influence and are deceived. He asserts that the government's actions are based on facts.
• Allegations of Orchestrated Protests: The government claims that a force with no interest in close relations between Georgian Dream and EU member states is behind the protests, deliberately influencing and artificially orchestrating them. These forces are described as paid groups from abroad with front figures, whose actions are not directed towards the welfare of citizens.

The Foreign Agents Law

• Initiative and Purpose: The President identifies himself as the "founding father" of the foreign agents law, stating it was an initiative of his party. The law's stated purpose is transparency, requiring NGOs to declare finances if 20% of their budget comes from abroad and to show all documentation and spending.
• Protest Trigger: The protests reportedly began when this law was passed.

Georgia's EU Candidacy and Future Outlook

• EU Candidate Status: Georgia has not yet gained EU candidate status, despite the government believing it should be a leading candidate.
• Readiness for EU Membership: The government asserts that Georgia will be ready to join the EU by 2030.
• EU's Attitude: The President believes the EU must change its attitude towards Georgia, from bureaucrats to members of the European Parliament, for Georgia to become an EU member state.
• Double Standards Allegation: The EU is accused of applying double standards, sometimes recognizing the government and sometimes not, which is described as absurd.
• Call for Dialogue: The government emphasizes the importance of dialogue, stating that the EU is not engaging in it with them.

Conclusion

The summary highlights a significant disconnect between the Georgian public's strong desire for EU membership and the current government's policies and rhetoric. The Georgian Dream party asserts its commitment to European integration while simultaneously emphasizing traditional values and a pragmatic foreign policy that navigates complex relations with Russia. The government views protests as externally influenced and orchestrated, while critics point to domestic legislation and policies as mirroring those in Russia, creating a standstill in EU accession talks and a challenging path forward for Georgia's European aspirations. The President's statements underscore a belief that the EU's perception and approach towards Georgia need to change for progress to be made.