Analysts assess consequences of EU's ultimatum to Georgia

The European Union (EU) threatened Georgia with suspension of financial aid in case of a disruption of the judicial reform; and this was a signal to Prime Minister, Irakli Garibashvili, to resign. However, Bidzina Ivanishvili may ignore the threat and leave Garibashvili as the head of the government, analysts believe.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that a judicial reform in Georgia is one of the points of the agreement of the authorities with the opposition on the way to overcome the political crisis. On May 22, the USA and the EU opposed the elections to the Supreme Council of Justice of Georgia. The appointment of judges by the Supreme Council prior to reforming the judicial system casts a shadow on the reputation thereof; and the election of judges was held with violations of interests, human rights defenders assert.

The independence of the judiciary and its credibility are threatened by the appointment of new judges in Georgia, contrary to EU calls, the EU Delegation to Georgia said on its Facebook.

The violation of the EU recommendations on the appointment of judges was the result of the clannish struggle, Tamara Laliashvili, an advocate, asserts.

The EU's reaction was predictable, said Ucha Nanuashvili, a former country's Ombudsperson. "The process was catalyzed by massive incidents of violence on July 5 and the death of Lekso Lashkarava," he has explained.

Washington and Brussels have hinted to Premier, Irakli Garibashvili, that he should resign, Gela Vasadze, a political analyst, believes, however, adding that the statements of the EU and the USA do not mean that Garibashvili will be removed from the post of the Premier.