Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze responded to a statement by the British Embassy, saying there is currently no need for international observers in Georgia’s upcoming parliamentary elections—though they will be invited, as usual.

Kaladze criticized ongoing efforts to discredit the OSCE/ODIHR’s assessment of previous elections, claiming a smear campaign had involved not just local media but also certain EU states and officials.

He questioned the Embassy’s comments, noting that international observers are rarely invited for local elections and emphasizing Georgia’s willingness to act on OSCE/ODIHR recommendations.

“Only the Georgian people decide who governs the country,” Kaladze said, adding that outside influence would not determine the outcome of the elections.