Shalva Papuashvili: Mr. Herczyński has taken on the role of a prosecutor, talks about sanctions, and reveals a negative expectation he holds. As for the banning of parties, I would advise him not to interfere in Georgia’s internal politics

Mr. Herczyński eagerly donned the prosecutor’s mantle and speaks of sanctions with visible malicious expectations – this is what the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, stated when commenting on the remarks made by the EU Ambassador to Georgia, Paweł Herczyński.

Papuashvili called on Herczyński not to interfere in Georgia’s internal political affairs and to act within the limits of his mandate.

“It is very unfortunate that we see Mr. Herczyński eagerly and joyfully taking on the role of a prosecutor, talking about sanctions, and expressing the grim expectations he holds. He speaks about it with visible satisfaction. It is regrettable that an ambassador who has been granted an agrément to represent the European Union, instead plays the role of a prosecutor here and presents himself like an inquisitor.

As for the banning of parties – this is an internal political matter of Georgia. A few days ago, he said that he does not interfere in internal politics regarding the banning of parties. I call on him and would advise him not to interfere in Georgia’s internal affairs, since Georgian legislation does not fall under his jurisdiction. If extremist organizations are not needed in the EU, in Germany, in Poland, or in any other country, then extremist organizations are not needed in Georgia either. My advice would be for him to act within his own authority, to respect the Vienna Convention and his diplomatic ethics – which he has violated on more than one occasion,” Papuashvili said.

For reference, Paweł Herczyński, when speaking about possible sanctions against members of “Georgian Dream,” stated: “At the EU level, we are still trying to introduce sanctions, and hopefully, we will reach the point where all 27 member states are united.”

According to him, in recent months in Georgia, there have been acts of intimidation, violence, brutality, and impunity for those who committed violence against activists.