Georgian NGOs urge EU to revoke visa-free travel Amid political tensions

A faction of Georgian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) has appealed to the European Union to reconsider its visa-free regime for Georgian citizens, a decision that has sparked significant political backlash.

Maia Bitadze, a member of parliament from the ruling Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia party condemned the initiative, labeling it as part of a "malicious and treacherous policy" aimed at undermining the progress achieved under the current government, Caliber.Az reports citing Georgian media.

According to a report by the McCain Institute, the EU is contemplating the suspension of this visa-free arrangement based on the demands from certain NGOs. These organizations argue that such a suspension could effectively illustrate to voters the ramifications of the Georgian Dream government’s actions ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.

Bitadze vehemently criticized the NGOs, asserting that their efforts threaten not only the stability of the nation but also the significant milestone of visa liberalization that has benefitted Georgia.

“This is another vivid example of what a malicious, treacherous policy is being pursued by one part of the non-governmental sector,” she stated.

The Georgian population will respond to this treacherous policy on October 26, at the upcoming parliamentary elections, Bitadze added.

The potential suspension of the visa-free regime was also highlighted by EU Ambassador to Georgia Pavel Gerchinsky, who indicated that this measure could be enacted if the relationship between the EU and Georgia deteriorates further.

As tensions rise, the Georgian electorate is expected to respond to these developments during the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 26.

By Vafa Guliyeva