The European political party Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) has responded to criticism from Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili. Earlier, he accused the alliance of standing behind a “xenophobic campaign” organized by the Lelo – Strong Georgia party.
The controversy centers on a statement by Irakli Kupradze, Secretary General of the opposition party, who criticized the implementation of large-scale construction projects in Gonio and Krtsanisi, describing the UAE-backed initiatives as “anti-people and anti-state.”
Lelo – Strong Georgia is a member of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe. Papuashvili argued that ALDE must now expel the Georgian opposition party:
“I am waiting for their answer. ALDE must either distance itself from xenophobia, which it claims to fight against, or it will have to explain itself. They call themselves a liberal party, yet they have the most illiberal people in their ranks.”
Commenting on Papuashvili’s remarks, ALDE stated that it does not intervene in Georgia’s domestic political campaigns. At the same time, the alliance noted that it welcomes Tbilisi’s constant and frequent interest in its stance.
The European political party also reiterated its call on the Georgian authorities to “immediately and unconditionally release political prisoners, including political leaders such as Elene Khoshtaria, journalists, and peaceful protesters.”
