**Tensions Rise Between Georgian Dream Government and West**
The relationship between the Georgian government, led by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s Georgian Dream party, and Western powers is becoming increasingly strained. In a recent interview with Imedi TV, Kobakhidze described the current U.S.-Georgia relationship as “active-negative.” This comes after his open letter to Donald Trump and JD Vance, in which he expressed frustration at what he sees as the U.S. administration’s silence towards Georgian Dream.
The comment suggests that the government is under pressure from Western powers, particularly the United States, due to its handling of opposition parties and politicians. The situation has escalated further with the swift passage of amendments to the Law on Diplomatic Service by the Georgian Parliament on May 14. These changes allow for early termination of diplomatic postings for officials violating ethical standards or government foreign policy.
**Repression and Disinformation**
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has condemned the ruling party’s actions, stating that they have launched a new wave of political repression targeting opposition figures. She also accused the parliamentary investigative commission set up to probe alleged crimes by the opposition United National Movement (UNM) of being used to target and punish politicians.
The opposition Freedom Square party claims that Georgian Dream is refusing to register it officially after two rejections from the Public Registry. The party alleges political bias behind this decision, claiming that Georgian Dream is obstructing its registration because it recognizes the new party as a major obstacle to its policies.
**Germany’s Concerns**
Germany’s new coalition government has urged Georgia to stop disinformation campaigns and cease hostile rhetoric towards the EU. They have also expressed concern over rising tensions and called on the Georgian Dream government to align with European values and protect the EU’s credibility.
**OSCE Call for Boycott**
U.S. lawmakers and European parliamentarians from the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly are urging Portugal to deny visas to Georgian officials attending the 32nd Annual Session in Porto from June 29 to July 3. They express concerns that the Georgian Dream government is undermining democracy, stating that the officials’ participation would contradict the principles of the OSCE.
**Conclusion**
The tensions between the Georgian government and Western powers are escalating. The comments by Kobakhidze and Zurabishvili suggest a deepening divide over issues such as democracy, human rights, and international values. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the relationship between Georgia and its Western partners will face significant challenges in the coming months.
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