French President Emmanuel Macron Speaks to Georgians
In a statement, French President Macron expressed his support for Georgia’s European and democratic aspirations. He emphasized that the Georgian people should not be forced off their chosen path of joining the European Union.
Macron stated that peaceful demonstrations cannot be suppressed with force if Georgia is to advance on the European path. He also noted that civil society organizations, journalists, and opposition party members cannot be harassed if freedom of expression and assembly are to be protected.
The President urged Georgians to engage in open dialogue with all political forces and civil society organizations. He stressed that this dialogue is a responsibility shared by all Georgians and should give them the opportunity to take their destiny into their hands again.
Macron concluded his statement by expressing confidence in the Georgian people and those who value the European path. He emphasized the importance of not giving in to intimidation, propaganda, cyber attacks, or information manipulation.
The full text of Macron’s statement can be read below:
“Dear Georgian friends,
I want to tell you that the European aspirations of the Georgian people written in the Constitution of Georgia cannot be betrayed. Georgia’s European dream should not be extinguished. This choice of the European path is your sovereign decision, this choice of joining the European family is what is peacefully expressed today in Tbilisi and several dozen cities of the country.
I come back to what this European choice is all about. The EU does not oblige. Europe offers, by paving the way for an equal partnership, for prosperity and shared values. Europe respects the sovereign will of the people, the history and identity of the nations, such as the millennial history of the Georgian people.
Finally, I want to tell you once again that we stand by you in support of your European and democratic aspirations. Georgia cannot hope to advance on the European path if peaceful demonstrations are suppressed with disproportionate use of force, if civil society organizations, journalists, members of opposition parties are harassed, if freedom of expression and assembly are not protected.
Long live the friendship between Georgia and France and long live Europe!”