Polish President Andrzej Duda has called on the Georgian government to reconsider its decision to suspend EU accession negotiations, a move that has sparked widespread protests and raised concerns about Georgia’s political future.
On Saturday, President Duda held a phone conversation with President of Georgia Salome Zourabishvili to discuss the situation in the country following the Georgian government’s recent decision to halt accession talks with the European Union until 2028. President Zourabishvili expressed deep concern over the escalation of tensions, the risk of internal conflict, and a potential constitutional crisis in Georgia.
President Duda, a longstanding supporter of Georgia’s EU integration, described the government’s decision as a “painful blow” to the aspirations of the Georgian people, enshrined in their Constitution and supported by the vast majority of society. He stressed that the suspension of negotiations, effectively freezing relations with the EU, contradicts the pre-election promises of the ruling Georgian Dream party and raises questions about the integrity of the October 2024 parliamentary elections.
The decision has triggered spontaneous, large-scale grassroots protests across Georgia, with members of the Georgian administration joining the public outcry. This wave of dissatisfaction highlights a profound sense of disappointment and a collective determination to return to the path of European integration. Reports of violence against protesters and concerns over potential bloodshed have further intensified the situation, drawing international attention to Georgia’s internal challenges.
President Duda urged the Georgian government to exercise restraint, listen to the voice of its citizens, and abandon decisions that run counter to their will. He also called for transparency regarding the parliamentary elections and emphasized the need for free and fair elections to resolve growing tensions.
“Georgia’s rightful place is in a united Europe,” President Duda affirmed, reiterating Poland’s unwavering support for Georgia’s democratic and European aspirations.
As protests continue to escalate, Georgia faces a critical juncture. The outcome of this crisis will determine not only the country’s relationship with the European Union but also its democratic trajectory. Poland’s intervention underscores the importance of European solidarity in addressing the challenges faced by EU aspirant nations.