Speaker Papuashvili at IPU: ‘double standards’ in sovereignty and governance undermine int’l trust

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) General Assembly on Thursday that “double standards” in the way countries are treated on issues of sovereignty and democratic governance undermine trust and weaken international cooperation.

“There are double standards. What is considered ‘protection’ in one country is seen as ‘restriction’ in another. What is praised in one system becomes a subject of criticism in another. This inconsistency undermines trust. If we are serious about cooperation, the rules must be the same for everyone,” he said.

The Speaker noted that strong institutions, transparent systems and forward-looking legislation are essential foundations for peace rather than merely technical elements of governance.

Papuashvili added the South Caucasus region, once seen as “unstable”, is becoming more “stable and predictable” as countries in the region increasingly act in accordance with their national interests.

“This is not accidental. It is the result of active sovereignty,” he said, adding that stability is strengthened when sovereignty is respected.

Papuashvili said Georgia’s Parliament has worked to improve transparency and legislation to ensure that political power remains with the people.

“We will continue adapting to reality, because a parliament that does not reflect reality loses its relevance, and a parliament that loses relevance cannot defend sovereignty,” he said.

The Speaker also stated that peace requires vigilance, restraint and long-term planning, warning that foreign interference and hybrid warfare are among the greatest threats to democracy and sovereignty today.

“We must move beyond declarations. We need a shared international framework that is clear in principle, fair in application and consistent in enforcement,” Papuashvili said.

He added that “sovereignty cannot be selective and security cannot be one-sided,” stressing the importance of a “stable and fair” international order for future generations.