Parliament Speaker accuses external forces of sowing division in Georgian society

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has accused foreign actors of deliberately attempting to deepen divisions within Georgian society, claiming that such efforts originate from outside the country.

According to Papuashvili, certain non-governmental organizations are allegedly promoting disagreement among the public over symbolic and historical dates, including whether Christmas should be observed on December 25 or January 7, and whether Victory Day should be marked on May 8 or May 9.

He recalled that last year, EU ambassadors, led by the EU Ambassador to Georgia, did not congratulate the Georgian people on May 9. Papuashvili emphasized that approximately 300,000 Georgians died fighting fascism in World War II and criticized what he described as a lack of acknowledgment or gratitude for that sacrifice.

Papuashvili claimed that Europe Day celebrations were held without broader public inclusion and accused foreign-funded groups of fostering division. He alleged that these activities were part of what he called “harmful external interference,” which he said was led by the previous US administration and involved the expenditure of millions of dollars.

According to the Parliament Speaker, disagreements are being encouraged not only over historical dates, but also over other sensitive issues, including August 7 versus August 8, and religious observances. He stated that the current US administration has changed its approach and exposed what he described as harmful interference practices.

Papuashvili further accused the European Union of engaging in destructive activities in Georgia, including inciting confrontation, hatred, and violence. He claimed that EU symbols are present at protests where violence occurs and described this association as unacceptable.

He concluded by stating that Georgia wants Brussels to change its policies, warning that failure to do so could lead the EU toward what he described as a “civilizational abyss,” adding that Georgia does not wish to be drawn into it.