Georgians are yearning for connection and support from the Western world, expressed MEP Michał Wawrykiewicz (KO) during his visit to Tbilisi on Saturday. Accompanied by Lithuanian MEP Dainius Žalimas, Wawrykiewicz aimed to express solidarity with President Salome Zurabishvili, opposition groups, and demonstrators.
The Polish MEP highlighted that the primary objective of their trip is to show the European Parliament’s backing for Georgia’s aspirations towards democracy and European integration.
Speaking at an anti-government protest outside the Georgian parliament, Wawrykiewicz remarked, “I feel the spirit of freedom and stand wholeheartedly with the Georgian people.” The protests have been ongoing for 31 days following the government’s decision to postpone discussions on Georgia’s EU membership until 2028.
The MEPs engaged with representatives from various opposition parties, with Wawrykiewicz noting a unified front among them. “Everyone is advocating for fair and free elections that truly represent the country’s will, rather than the manipulated outcomes of October’s election influenced by Russian interference,” he stated.
He added that the Georgian opposition hopes for concrete actions from EU institutions and member states, such as sanctions, which could impact the oligarchs and associates associated with the ruling Georgian Dream party. “These measures would limit their ability to operate, travel, and conduct business,” he specified.
During a discussion with local NGOs, the politicians received a report detailing instances of police violence against protesters. “This document contains information on the victims, their accounts, and photographic evidence of those injured. It is crucial for accountability to be established for those responsible,” the MEP emphasized, noting the importance of raising awareness about the situation in Georgia.
Regarding a meeting with President Salome Zurabishvili, Wawrykiewicz described her as composed, despite the upcoming inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili as president, a decision opposed by the opposition. “She is awaiting tomorrow’s events, fully aware of the prime minister’s discussions about her potential arrest. She’s resolved to stand by the constitution and the rights of the people,” he said, adding that she urged for global support against the “illegitimate authorities.”
Wawrykiewicz anticipates that Zurabishvili may announce the date for new parliamentary elections on Sunday.
He predicts that Sunday’s significant anti-government demonstration will offer strong support for the president and signal to the world that Georgians are committed to fighting for democracy and their right to exist as a free nation.
When asked about potential violence during Sunday’s protests, he acknowledged the unpredictability of the situation, noting that “no one can foresee whether the president will be arrested or if there will be clashes.” He observed that the current protest remains peaceful, with local businesses operating normally and demonstrators posing no threat to them. “The real threat comes from a brutal pro-Moscow regime intent on suppressing democracy,” he asserted.
Wawrykiewicz concluded by stating that “there won’t be two presidents in Georgia tomorrow; there will be one legitimate president and one usurper. Such scenarios are becoming increasingly common in nations at a crossroads regarding autocracy. This isn’t a mere power struggle; it’s a matter of law versus lawlessness.” (28.12.2024)
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