Georgian Parliament Speaker: “certain forces” use EU institutions to target Ivanishvili

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Thursday voiced opposition to a draft resolution by the European Parliament (EP), describing it as “outrageous, shameful, and disgusting.”

The resolution, introduced by 14 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), focuses on alleged “democratic backsliding and threats to political pluralism” in Georgia and includes calls for sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili, the Honorary Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

In a briefing held at the party’s Tbilisi office, Papuashvili accused “certain forces” of exploiting European Union institutions to target Ivanishvili, whom he claimed has played a “vital role” in maintaining peace in Georgia amid regional conflicts.

He criticized the EP’s actions as “part of a pattern of personal attacks” aimed at the influential politician, stating this marks the third EP resolution focusing on Ivanishvili and reflecting a narrative of political revenge.

Papuashvili referenced Pawel Herczynski, the EU Ambassador to Georgia, who previously condemned the ruling party’s campaign imagery linked to the Ukraine conflict. The Speaker echoed Herczynski’s sentiments to characterize the EP resolution, suggesting it was driven by biases rather than factual considerations.

The draft resolution demands not only sanctions against Ivanishvili but also the release of imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili and the repeal of a recently adopted law concerning family values.

Papuashvili asserted these demands “represent an unlawful interference” in Georgia’s political affairs, particularly highlighting the “EU’s pressure” regarding Saakashvili’s legal situation.