Georgian Parliament Speaker puts forward open debate initiative on key national issues

Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said that Georgia was ready to engage in debates with any political group, provided they recognize Georgia as a sovereign state and uphold its constitutional order. He emphasized that discussions can be held on any topic of public interest.

Responding to a question about initiatives by groups such as People’s Power and Neutral Georgia, who have called for a debate on whether European integration aligns with Georgia’s sovereign interests, Papuashvili said "there are also groups who believe that higher education does not require reform. We are ready to engage with them. There are people and groups who argue that European integration carries risks. We are prepared to discuss this topic with any group. We are open to debates and discussions on all matters of public importance."

He stressed that Georgia’s approach to European integration was guided by safeguarding the country’s institutions and sovereignty.

"We do not seek EU membership just to be on the map while our state is weakened. We see what is happening in Ukraine and Moldova – the destruction of institutions, the weakening of the state. That is not the path we are taking. Our path is one of statehood, independence, and respect for our national interests. It is crucial that European integration does not turn into submission or joining a union in the old Soviet style, where decisions came from Moscow. Today, the union’s center should be Brussels, but with respect for sovereign governance."

Papuashvili also criticized current EU politics, saying it has deviated from its founding values and is misaligned with Georgian interests:

"The problem today is not the European Union or European integration itself, but Brussels, which is completely detached from the values on which Georgia stands. We need reforms in Brussels to restore true European values that align with Georgia’s principles. European integration is a constitutional task under Article 78, supported by Article 77, which ensures our independence and institutional sovereignty. We will not allow Brussels to interfere in our constitutional institutions or appoint judges and prosecutors from afar."

He concluded that debates were important to address risks and challenges in the integration process while reinforcing Georgia’s sovereign responses:

"For those who see potential risks, we are ready to explain them. Risks exist, but they require strong, sovereign responses. European integration must be guided by Georgian interests, not by external pressures."