Shalva Papuashvili, the Chairman of the Georgian parliament and a leader of Georgian Dream’s political party, stressed that Georgia could only join the European family of countries by defending its own identity and acting in their own interests. His remarks were made during a Kutaisi campaign event, where he criticised external pressures and hypocrisy. He also called for sanctions against Russia and the release former President Mikheil Sakaashvili.
Papuashvili questioned if certain actions promoted by European Institutions truly aligned with European Values, casting doubt on the demands made by the European Parlament for the release Saakashvili, and other political figures such as Zurab Adeishvili or Davit Kezerashvili. He also criticized the expectation that Georgia would impose sanctions against Russia despite being covered by NATO’s “nuclear shield.”
Is this Europe if you demand the unconditional freedom of Saakashvili? Is this Europe if you host Adeishvili at the offices of Brussels? Is this Europe if you protect Kezerashvili against punishment? Is this Europe if you ask Georgians to impose sanctions against Russia? “Of course not!” Papuashvili proclaimed that the Georgians understood the true values that united them with Europe.
Papuashvili stressed that Georgian identity was always deeply intertwined to European civilization. He traced the country’s contribution to Western culture. He recalled the historic leaders of Georgia and the cities that have shaped the culture of the West, noting Georgian culture as one of the “pearls” of world civilization.
“We Georgians are at the beginning of Western culture… Georgian identity and European identity is what we stand for, and Georgian values are true European values,” he said, reiterating that Georgia’s Christian roots form a central part of its European heritage.
Papuashvili expressed his concern about what he called a distortion of European values in contemporary politics, accusing European Institutions of hypocrisy. He said that terms such as “peace” or “freedom” were being misrepresented and questioned whether European support for Georgia was sincere when it contradicted the country’s core value.
“We are witnessing the hypocrisy that is unheard of in calling white black. We see that they present war as freedom, standing on one leg as freedom, and lying as truth,” Papuashvili stated, referring to a recent European parliament resolution which included calls for Saakashvili’s release and sanctions against Russia.
In his speech, Papuashvili urged national unity and a renewed dedication to Georgia’s faith, identity, and traditions. He cited past demonstrations of support for these values such as the May 17, celebration of family sanctity and called for a repetition of this “public vote” during the October 26, elections.
“On October 26 this public referendum should again be repeated in the voting booths. “We choose Georgia and this choice should be final victory for Georgian values,” he said.
Papuashvili ended his speech by stating that only a Georgia that is self-confident, defends its identity, and acts in its own interest can join the European Family with dignity. He said that the future of the country lies in peace and dignity, in keeping with the legacy left by Georgia’s great forefathers.
“Only with dignity, only peace, only prosperity can Europe be achieved!” Papuashvili stated.
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