Georgian PM offers to hold public debate on EU membership suspension

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced on November 28 that he is open to holding a public discussion on the proposal to suspend the EU membership process.

The statement, shared on the Georgian government's official Facebook page, affirmed Kobakhidze's willingness to engage in a live televised debate, Caliber.Az reports.

He noted that his team had previously expressed their readiness for such a discussion, especially with those who opposed the recent statement made by the government on November 28.

Several current and former politicians have shown interest in participating in this public debate. In his statement, Kobakhidze invited them to the Georgian government’s administrative building the following day, where they could engage in the debate with ten other individuals, broadcasted live.

Georgia announced it will postpone opening negotiations on its accession to the European Union and decided to decline any EU government grants until 2028.

Kobakhidze stated on November 28 that the ruling Georgian Dream party had decided to suspend EU accession talks and reject EU budget grants for the next five years. The government justified this decision by citing continued pressure and "blackmail" from the EU over the start of accession negotiations, including demands to revoke certain laws passed by the Georgian parliament and calls for sanctions against Georgian officials.

By Vafa Guliyeva