Parliament speaker marks 35th anniversary of independence referendum, highlights responsibility of freedom

Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has marked the 35th anniversary of Georgia’s 1991 independence referendum, describing freedom as both a responsibility and an ongoing challenge.

Speaking at a plenary session of parliament, Papuashvili said the 31 March 1991 vote united the entire country behind the restoration of independence. He noted that for 35 years Georgia has carried independence as both an achievement and a duty requiring constant effort.

“Freedom is not easy and it requires daily struggle and protection, which our society has managed to uphold,” he said.

Papuashvili added that the foundations of independence were laid by the national movement, which united the population around the idea of statehood. He also noted that the date coincides with the birthday of first president Zviad Gamsakhurdia, recalling that the declaration of independence was proclaimed from the parliamentary chamber bearing his name.

He stressed the importance of safeguarding not only the formal attributes of independence, but also “real independence”, where decisions about the country are made by its people through democratic institutions such as parliament.