Parliament speaker: Georgia's protests turn peaceful as political stability returns

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has said that protests in Georgia took a peaceful turn, and the situation in the country returned to a more stable political course.

"Over the past few days, we have seen demonstrations that are now peaceful and, one could say, smaller in scale, freed from the aggressive groups mobilized by political actors. This transformation of the protests is something to be welcomed, as it reflects the return of the country's political processes to a more orderly path," Papuashvili stated during a briefing, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Papuashvili also noted that there are still forces within the country seeking to destabilise the situation. However, he emphasised, "Despite everything, the country continues living and moving forward along the chosen path."

Moreover, he noted that the decision by the US to impose sanctions on Georgia is baffling and makes no sense, especially considering that during the final years of Mikheil Saakashvili's presidency, the US administration ignored human rights violations in the country.

"The outgoing US administration was in power during the final years of Saakashvili's rule, when torture became especially brutal, independent media were effectively destroyed, and business racketeering became part of the state system. We don't even recall any sanctions, let alone a clear stance from the US administration at that time, which is now in power again. Given these factors, the position of the outgoing administration on sanctions is both unclear and illogical," Papuashvili added.

He also stressed that Mikheil Kavelashvili, who is likely to assume the presidency of Georgia on December 14, will not be swayed by foreign influence, unlike Salome Zourabichvili.

"Mikheil Kavelashvili is a person whose patriotism is unquestionable. This is especially important in today’s world. For a small country like ours, vulnerable due to ongoing regional conflicts, it is crucial to have a president who will not be subject to any foreign powers. We see this with Mrs. Salome Zourabichvili, who is directly controlled from abroad," said Papuashvili.

He added that after the inauguration on December 29, Georgia will have a president whose top priority will be the homeland, people, and adherence to the Constitution.

A new wave of protests began in Georgia on November 28, with demonstrations taking place daily outside the parliament building. The first week of protests was the most intense, with some protesters using fireworks against security forces, while the police responded with water cannons and tear gas. Clashes lasted through the night and ended with special forces forcibly dispersing protesters from Rustaveli Avenue. In recent days, however, the protests have become peaceful, and police have stopped stationing officers near the rally site. 

The protests were triggered by a statement from Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who announced that the ruling Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia party, had decided not to include negotiations for EU membership in the agenda until the end of 2028 and to forgo all budget grants from the EU. The prime minister said that the decision was prompted by constant blackmail from the EU regarding the start of accession talks, demands to repeal several laws passed by the Georgian parliament, and calls for sanctions against the Georgian authorities.

By Naila Huseynova