Scholz and Macron: Georgia is deviating from the European path

2024-05-20 10:46:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Germany and France expressed "deep concern" about the situation in Georgia. In the joint statement of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron, it is said that both countries note with deep regret the decision of the Georgian government and ruling party to deviated from the European path.

Their statement is related to the adoption of a controversial law to limit foreign influence on civil society in Georgia. According to him, organizations and media that are financed at least 20 percent from abroad should be registered in the future as bodies that "follow the interests of foreign powers".

Critics see parallels with Russia's anti-"foreign agent" law, which allows authorities there to take massive action against critical media and organizations.

Law "against common European values"

Georgia received the status of a candidate for EU membership at the end of last year. According to polls, more than 80 percent of Georgians are in favor of their country's membership in the EU and NATO.

The Franco-German joint statement states: "Our two countries have always supported Georgia's European path and have actively supported the decision of the European Council of December 2023 to grant candidate status."

Regarding the controversial law, the statement states that the Georgian government and the ruling party have acted against the common European values ??and aspirations of the Georgian people. "Georgia's European path has been mapped out - but Georgia decides at what speed and direction it will move forward," the statement said.

Mass protest and the President's veto

The law on limiting foreign influence on civil society in Georgia was passed by the parliament in Tbilisi early last week, despite massive protests by tens of thousands of citizens in Tbilisi.

The President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, vetoed the law approved by the parliament yesterday. The president, who is considered pro-European, called the law "Russian in essence and spirit". However, its veto can be canceled by the Parliament./ DW