Georgian parliament speaker calls on EU to apologise over protest violence

The Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, has called on the European Union to apologise to the Georgian people for supporting violent protests, rather than offering criticism or disinformation.

In a Facebook post cited by Caliber.Az, Papuashvili criticised a joint statement by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and European Commissioner Marja Kos on Georgia’s recent local elections. The EU officials said the elections took place amid suppression of dissent, attacks on independent media, and laws intended to support civil society. They also called for the release of illegally detained individuals, a resumption of dialogue, and for all parties to avoid violence.

Papuashvili countered that the EU statement failed to acknowledge support for rallies aimed at toppling the government, during which 25 police officers were injured in an attack on the Presidential Palace.

“If I understand correctly, Ms. Kallas and Ms. Kos are not apologising for supporting a rally aimed at overthrowing the government, yet this is exactly what Georgian society expects from the European Union today,” he wrote.

He also urged EU representatives to refrain from spreading false information, warning that it fuels radical forces seeking to undermine democracy, the rule of law, and human rights in Georgia.

Georgia held municipal elections on October 4, 2025, to elect local government officials across 64 municipalities, including the capital, Tbilisi. The ruling Georgian Dream party won a decisive victory, securing over 80% of the vote nationwide, with Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze re-elected with more than 71% support.

The elections took place amid heightened political tension, marked by protests, opposition boycotts, and clashes between demonstrators and police. Critics accused the government of undermining democratic processes, while the EU and other international observers expressed concern over the conduct of the vote and the treatment of opposition forces. 

By Vugar Khalilov