EU enlargement chief admits mistake in handling Georgian PM’s death threats claim

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze made shocking claims on Thursday, accusing European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi of using threats to persuade him to drop the controversial “Russian law” in Georgia.

The tension surrounding the “Russian law” has been escalating in Tbilisi, leading to a heated exchange between Kobakhidze and Várhelyi. According to Kobakhidze’s Facebook post, Várhelyi referenced the recent attack on Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, insinuating that similar consequences could befall Kobakhidze if he did not comply.

Várhelyi quickly issued an apology, clarifying that his intentions were misunderstood and expressing regret for any confusion caused by the conversation. He emphasized the importance of avoiding further escalation in Georgia, citing the recent tragic events in Slovakia as a cautionary example of the dangers of political polarization.

Kobakhidze further claimed that the attack on Fico was orchestrated by an alleged international entity known as the “Global War Party,” a shadowy group he believes is behind destabilizing actions in Georgia. Despite lacking concrete evidence of the group’s existence, Kobakhidze and his party have used it as a scapegoat for various issues in the country.

Critics of the “foreign influence” law, which has sparked widespread protests in Georgia, have drawn parallels to similar legislation in Russia used to suppress dissent. The controversy surrounding Várhelyi’s remarks adds another layer of complexity to Georgia’s bid for EU membership, as the country navigates political turmoil and external pressures.

As Georgia continues its journey towards EU integration, the fallout from this incident underscores the challenges and complexities of the country’s political landscape.