Parliament Speaker: Georgian culture reminds us what we fight for and what we protect

“Georgian culture is precisely what reminds us what we fight for, what we defend and what we cherish,” Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said while addressing a ceremony honoring representatives of Georgia’s cultural sphere.

Papuashvili noted culture explained why Georgia must remain independent, indivisible and united.

“It is a pleasure to once again gather in the magnificent hall of the Presidential Palace, and it is doubly meaningful to attend such a distinguished event dedicated to honoring representatives of Georgia’s cultural sector. About five months ago, we participated in a similar ceremony, and it is highly commendable that this excellent tradition continues,” he said.

Papuashvili stressed that culture in Georgia is “alive and free,” describing it as one of the main pillars of the country’s identity and uniqueness. He noted that Georgia’s generation, shaped by the second half of the 20th century, witnessed a period when Georgian culture and art stood out for their remarkable achievements. During that time, he said, culture and sport were key sources of pride and self-expression.

Referring to the end of February commemorations, Papuashvili recalled the declaration and subsequent loss of Georgia’s independence a century ago and the country’s 70-year Soviet past. He said Georgia’s history has often been marked by hardship, alternating between peace without independence and independence threatened by external enemies.

“Today, in the 35th year since the restoration of Georgia’s independence, we have managed to unite, awaken national consciousness, protect our sovereignty, restore the dignity of being Georgian and take independent steps to defend our country and statehood. These steps cannot but fill us with a sense of pride and dignity,” he said.

“Georgian culture is what reminds us what we are fighting for. It tells us why Georgia must be independent, indivisible and united.”

The ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace, where President Mikheil Kavelashvili awarded state honors - the Order of Excellence and the Order of Honor - to cultural figures upon the nomination of Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Culture Minister Tinatin Rukhadze, Chairman of the Government of Adjara Sulkhan Tamazashvili, members of parliament and representatives of the cultural sector.