Parliament Speaker names three “major threats averted” by Gov’t in 2023

Shalva Papuashvili, the Georgian Parliament Speaker, on Thursday named the “three major threats” the current state authorities “managed to avert” last year, which he claimed included the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic, “radical efforts” of the domestic opposition and alleged attempts to “drag” the country into the Russia-Ukraine conflict. 

Delivering his 2023 report summarizing the challenges faced by the Georgian government during the 10th convocation of Parliament, the official said the challenges required “delicate balancing” between preserving lives during the pandemic and safeguarding the economy. 
He also underscored the “danger of being drawn” into a global conflict due to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in 2022 and lamented the “radicalization” of the opposition. 

He recalled instances during previous elections where, as he said, the “radical political groups” had attempted “undemocratic means to seize power”. 

Papuashvili expressed gratitude the Georgian government had “successfully neutralized” all three threats and praised its efforts in maintaining “democratic achievements, ensuring peace and security, aiding Ukraine, protecting public health, and advancing Georgia’s European integration”. 

He concluded by saying the “achievements, coupled with the government’s commitment to the people’s best interests, have garnered unprecedented support ahead of the upcoming elections”.