Georgia’s Papuashvili: Critics of Brussels quickly labelled pro-Russian

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has stated that any disagreement with Brussels on even a single issue leads to accusations of being pro-Russian, noting even Trump and the Georgian Dream party were labelled pro-Russian.

He said this was a propaganda technique developed by intelligence services, used to target political opponents, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

Addressing issues related to banning opposition parties, he said they would add the Federalists to the previously submitted list.

"Today we are submitting a new application to the Constitutional Court," he noted.

In October 2025, the ruling Georgian Dream party filed a petition with the Constitutional Court seeking to ban three opposition parties, accusing them of attempting to violently change Georgia’s constitutional order.

The parties include the United National Movement, the Coalition for Change, and Strong Georgia – Lelo.

Papuashvili said the decision is linked to the fact that several opposition parties signed a declaration of unity on strategic goals and aligned themselves with the organisers of the October 4 events.

On October 4, 2025, following the ruling Georgian Dream party’s claimed landslide victory in municipal elections, demonstrations broke out.

Protesters erected barricades and set fires in several locations.

Reports indicate that around six civilians and 21 police officers were injured, while dozens—about 62 people—were detained.

Five opposition activists were also taken into custody.  

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov