The speaker of national parliament Shalva Papuashvili of Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, made several accusations against international organizations. He also blamed foreign diplomats and Western governments for allegedly meddling in Georgia’s political and judicial affairs.
The speaker of parliament Papuashvili described the International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) as a “fraudulent organization,” and blamed it for manipulated election results in 2020 and its attempt to destabilize the government in many countries.
At the same time, he also accused the Baltic states of trying to replace Georgia’s government, alleging they were using foreign organizations like the USAID to interfere covertly in Georgian politics which will not be accepted.
It is also worth to note that speaker in addition also criticized the Baltic states for supporting opposition groups and civil society organizations, claiming that Estonian NGOs were operating on behalf of the Georgian opposition to hurt Georgian Dream led Government.
Moreover, speaker also suggested that the sanctions imposed by these countries coincided with opposition visits and were a result of efforts to undermine Georgia’s sovereignty. He also argued that these nations viewed Georgia as a tool in their strategy against Russia, with the aim of destabilizing the government.
The speaker referred to statements from foreign diplomats, particularly from Belgium and Lithuania. He dismissed Belgium’s criticism regarding Georgia’s treatment of peaceful assemblies and linked it to European Parliament resolutions as hidden agenda to destabilise Georgian government.
Similarly, speaker Papuashvili accused foreign diplomats of attempting to influence the judicial process, citing the presence of the Lithuanian ambassador at a recent trial, which he described as pressure on Georgia’s legal system.
Papuashvili also attacked British Ambassador Gareth Ward, accusing him of backing campaigns against the Georgian government during the election period last year and supporting disinformation. He criticized the UK’s involvement, suggesting that such actions were harmful to Georgian sovereignty and national identity that could harm bilateral relation as well.
Finally, Papuashvili condemned the MEGOBARI Act of USA. This bill of U.S. Senate seeks to impose sanctions on Georgian officials over human rights concerns, calling it an ungrateful act.
