Georgian Parliament Speaker condemns attempted disruption during elections

People gathered in Georgia on 4 October with the aim of destabilising the country, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said on Monday.

Speaking about the events, Papuashvili said that members of the ruling Georgian Dream party had warned, including those supported from abroad, against the “pre-announced attempt to overthrow” the government.

He said calls for the government’s removal were made during the gathering and that some attendees reacted with applause, recalling scenes from the 1990s. “It is concerning that hundreds or possibly thousands of people consciously sought to disrupt the country,” he added.

Papuashvili expressed gratitude to law enforcement agencies for preventing violence despite personal risks. He said 25 police officers were injured, two seriously, and criticised foreign groups who supported the violent factions for showing no concern for the officers.

He also thanked Georgian citizens for participating in the elections, saying they made their voices heard peacefully from the start of voting rather than responding to calls for disruption.