Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused international critics of applying double standards over the banning of political parties, comparing the response to such measures in Ukraine and Moldova with criticism directed at Georgia.
Speaking to journalists, Kobakhidze claimed that 18 political parties had been banned in Ukraine, while similar measures had been taken against several political parties in Moldova. He argued that these decisions had not attracted the same level of international criticism as political developments in Georgia.
“We have seen the example of Ukraine, where 18 political parties were banned. A number of political parties have also been banned in Moldova, yet no one suggested that banning political parties could somehow be linked to democratic principles. In fact, they could hardly have made such an argument because it would be absurd,” Kobakhidze said.
The Georgian Prime Minister argued that the difference in international reactions demonstrated what he described as politically motivated criticism of Tbilisi.
“The absurd arguments they did not make regarding Ukraine and Moldova were made regarding Georgia. This clearly shows that there is a blatant political motive behind all of this. Double standards are absolutely evident,” he said.
Kobakhidze also questioned international assessments of elections in the region, particularly in Moldova, alleging that serious electoral irregularities in neighboring countries had not prompted comparable criticism.
“The same applies to elections. As you know, elections have been held in several countries around us with very serious violations. Moldova is a particularly clear example, yet no substantial comments were made in that regard,” the Prime Minister said.
He maintained that such differences in international responses reflected inconsistent standards in assessing democratic processes.
“Double standards are evident everywhere. What we need is to uphold the rule of law, and that is precisely the purpose of the processes we have initiated,” Kobakhidze concluded.
