Parliament Speaker: It’s paradoxical that violence in Georgian streets wrapped in EU flags

Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Wednesday denounced what he described as a paradox in Georgia's current political landscape, “violence in the streets carried out under the flags of the European Union”. 

In his address to the state legislature, he accused European union diplomats and politicians of “fostering polarization and unrest in the country,” linking alleged foreign-driven movements to a rising tide of violence and division amid ongoing protests in the country against the halted EU integration. 

Papuashvili also criticized an alleged influence of foreign actors, particularly those from EU member states, in exacerbating tensions in Georgia. He stated that movements promoting "US-style" propaganda and what he termed "legalized violence" were being wrapped in the EU's flag, creating a confusing and dangerous situation for the country.

"The situation has become paradoxical," Papuashvili said. "Violence is being carried out in the streets of our country, under the banner of the European Union. This is a dangerous and divisive development that must be addressed."

The Speaker also expressed frustration with foreign donors who, he argued, avoided accountability for the impact of their financial support in Georgia. He called for legislative measures to ensure greater transparency in political financing. In this context, Papuashvili pointed to the legislative process that the Georgian Parliament initiated in 2023, “aimed at unveiling the shadow financing of Georgian politics.”

He described the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence as a "litmus test" that he claimed had revealed the extent of foreign influence, noting that in 2023, foreign politicians and donors directly involved themselves in movements that sought to influence domestic political events. He specifically mentioned the 2024 election campaign, which he argued had seen unprecedented foreign interference.

"Foreign donors, politicians, and media outlets - both domestic and international - formed a coalition to disrupt our democratic process," Papuashvili claimed, adding that such foreign involvement was detrimental to Georgia's sovereignty and democratic integrity.

Papuashvili further criticized the “patronizing attitude” of certain foreign actors, comparing it to an outdated colonial mindset. He stressed that Georgia should not be treated as a "Third World" country or "Banana Republic." He further remarked on how some foreign diplomats had labeled Georgian legislative initiatives, such as the Law on Transparency, as "Russian," and how some had even praised individuals involved in violent protests.

The Speaker concluded his speech with a message of unity, emphasizing that the Georgian people had made the “right choice by supporting national interests over foreign-driven agendas.” He pointed to the 2024 elections as a moment when the majority of voters “rejected attempts at foreign interference and chose the path of peace, stability, and prosperity based on Georgia's own national priorities.”

"Our strength lies in unity," Papuashvili said. "We have faced these challenges before, and we will continue to safeguard the interests of our people and our nation. This is our responsibility and our mission."