Pikria Chikhradze: Elene Khoshtaria’s health is the responsibility of the government, and their position about ‘admission of guilt’ is inhumane - As for threats toward partners, who is actually harmed? Who are they ‘trying to pressure’?
When assessing statements by ruling party representatives toward European leaders and Euro-Atlantic structures, Pikria Chikhradze, one of the leaders of the “Lelo-Strong Georgia” coalition, said in an interview with “PalitraNews” program “Day’s Newsroom” that it is important to understand the essence of such “threats.”
According to her, the consequences of such a confrontational approach ultimately harm only Georgia itself.
“When we hear threats directed at European leaders and European institutions, we must understand what these threats actually mean. Who is harmed as a result? Germany, France, Switzerland, Poland? No - only one country is harmed: Georgia.
Who are they trying to ‘show strength’ to? Only the Georgian state and its national interests,” she said.
Chikhradze added that statements by the Georgian Prime Minister do not represent the country’s interests but rather those of one individual.
“The Prime Minister of Georgia does not represent Georgia, the state, and its interests. He represents the interests of one man - Bidzina Ivanishvili.
It is unfortunate that in this country everything - foreign policy, domestic policy, social policy, judicial policy - is tailored to the interests of one person.
The foreign situation is very serious. The latest European Parliament report and resolution clearly show how difficult the situation has become regarding membership in international organizations. At some point, both EU accession and even Council of Europe membership may come into question.
When we hear threats toward European leaders and institutions, we must understand their meaning. Who is harmed? Germany, France, Switzerland, Poland? No - only Georgia and its national interests are harmed.
We want the EU because it is the longest-standing peaceful union. Being even a candidate country brings major benefits in the economy, education, and justice system. Our healthcare situation is so severe that many people go to European countries to receive adequate treatment.
Who is this aggressive rhetoric directed against? Who are they trying to pressure? Only the Georgian state and its interests,” Chikhradze said.
She also commented on the health condition of imprisoned opposition politician Elene Khoshtaria, saying the issue is the government’s responsibility.
“The responsibility for fair and unfair court decisions lies with the political force in power. A female politician who expressed her position on a banner - which falls within freedom of expression and otherwise would be subject only to administrative penalties - has been arrested.
She also faces an ongoing case in the so-called ‘sabotage case,’ which threatens further imprisonment. This is the government’s responsibility. The ruling party’s rhetoric about ‘admission of guilt’ is inhumane,” she said.
