**Georgia’s Visa Liberalization on Hold: A Warning from the EU**
The process of suspending visa liberalization for Georgia is being delayed because the European Union (EU) does not want to punish the Georgian people. This was stated by Giorgi Melashvili, founder of the European-Georgian Institute, in an interview with PalitraNews.
According to Melashvili, the Georgian government’s actions have been detrimental to warming relations with Georgia’s partners. “The more ‘Georgian Dream’s’ true anti-Western face and attacks on democracy—such as the suspension of visa liberalization—become evident, the more people within ‘Georgian Dream’ itself will see that it is neither a pro-Western nor a pro-democratic force,” Melashvili said.
**Hungary’s Obstruction: A Double-Edged Sword for Georgia**
Melashvili also warned that Hungary’s attempts to block the EU’s effectiveness may have short-term benefits for ‘Georgian Dream’, but will ultimately harm the Georgian people. If visa liberalization is canceled, specific individual sanctions will not be imposed on the Georgian government or Viktor Orbán, the Hungarian Prime Minister. However, due to Hungary’s obstruction, sanctions might be imposed on the entire Georgian population instead of specific individuals.
**A Return to Soviet-Era Politics?**
Melashvili believes that ‘Georgian Dream’ is attempting to create a “small Soviet remnant” in Georgia. He pointed out that the current government has created a one-party parliament and judiciary under its control, with no system of checks and balances among the branches of government.
“This resembles the Soviet Union more than anything else,” Melashvili stated. “They are projecting themselves onto the EU and blaming the EU for the war that ‘Georgian Dream’ itself is trying to wage in Georgia.” He added that what we’ve seen recently is an attempt to create a small Soviet remnant in the 21st century.
**The Ball is in ‘Georgian Dream’s’ Court**
Melashvili emphasized that the ball and field are in the hands of ‘Georgian Dream’. The government has all the levers and opportunities to ensure normal relations between the Georgian state and the West, but they are not doing so. He warned that if the situation continues to deteriorate, it will ultimately harm the Georgian people.
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