In a recent interview with German publication Bild, Michael Roth, chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the German Parliament (Bundestag), expressed his concerns about Georgia’s chances of joining the European Union. He stated that the Georgian government’s anti-LGBT law and their treatment of sexual minorities goes against the country’s history of diversity and openness. Roth believes that the government’s actions have closed the door for Georgia to join the EU.
Roth also criticized the government’s balancing act between Russia and the EU, stating that it has gone too far and that accession negotiations are not possible under these circumstances. He believes that progress can only be made if the controversial laws are withdrawn, violence against demonstrators is stopped, and dialogue with the opposition continues. For now, the door of the European Union remains closed for Georgia.
According to Roth, Georgia’s prospects are bleak and he fears that the West will turn away from the country while the influence of Russia and China continues to grow. He also expressed concern that many young Georgians will leave the country due to the government’s actions.
Roth also mentioned that the government refuses to accept Western politicians and deliberately attacks European values such as the protection of minorities and freedom of the media. He believes that if the government wins the next election, they plan to ban the opposition, making them unfit to be partners of the European Union.
During his visit to Tbilisi, Roth observed that young Georgians have a different perspective from the government. He believes that the heart of Europe is now beating in Georgia, but the current government’s actions are not in line with European values.
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