Chairman of the Georgian Parliament Shalva Papuashvili commented on the civil march “Our voice to the European Union”, held on December 9 in Tbilisi as a sign of support for the country’s accession to the EU. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili took part in the action. The protesters unfurled the largest EU flag in the world.

“The radical opposition and a few wealthy NGOs are taking a “village builder” approach. One will sing, another will sew a flag, the third will make a presentation, shoot a video clip and they think that for this we will be awarded a European perspective and given candidate status. They think they are making a difference by sewing a flag and holding a rally. The Georgian authorities are busy with business, and this is what will lead us to the European Union,” said Shalva Papuashvili.

Last June, the European Council expressed its readiness to grant Georgia EU candidate status as soon as 12 conditions are met. The main ones are de-oligarchization and ensuring full independence of the judicial system. On November 8, the European Commission recommended that the European Council grant Georgia EU candidate status “subject to certain reforms and steps being taken.” The decision will be announced on December 15.