**Georgian Official Reacts to EU Decision**
Irakli Kobakhidze, a senior official in Georgia’s government, has spoken out against the European Union’s decision to suspend visa liberalization for Georgians with diplomatic passports. This move was made by the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council on October 16.
Kobakhidze called the decision “symbolic” and “anti-Georgian”. He said that such actions undermine trust in EU institutions among the Georgian people. He pointed to a recent survey that showed a 6% drop in confidence in European structures in Georgia over the past six months.
**PM Praises Support from Some EU Countries**
Kobakhidze also expressed gratitude to several EU countries, including Hungary, Slovakia, Italy, Spain, and Romania, for opposing the decision to sanction Georgian Dream officials. He said that his government would continue to consult with these countries, which he claimed supported the interests of the Georgian people.
**Contrasting Georgia’s Situation**
Kobakhidze compared Georgia’s situation favorably to that of some EU member states. He mentioned France and Germany’s economic challenges, fragile coalitions, and the dire situations in Ukraine and Syria. He noted that these problems also affect the EU as a whole.
He said that while these countries face stability issues, Georgia has a solid majority, a functioning parliament, and a working government. This stability, he claimed, was irritating to the EU.
**Defending Controversial Laws**
Kobakhidze reiterated his support for the Foreign Agents law, which has been met with criticism. He said that the law was intended to prevent revolutions financed by “hidden money”. He also dismissed concerns about potential disruptions following President Salome Zourabishvili’s departure on December 29.
**EU Responds**
The EU has called for de-escalation and warned of consequences.