Georgian Parliament Speaker: forces “seeking political revenge” suffered “final defeat” in elections

Shalva Papuashvili, the Georgian Parliament Speaker, on Monday claimed “forces that sought political revenge” in the country had “suffered the truly final defeat” in last month’s general elections. 

In his speech at the inaugural session of the 11th convocation of the Parliament, which voted to reelect him in the post, Papuashvili targeted Mikheil Saakashvili, the convicted former President, and “his followers”, accusing them of attempting to “reverse the country’s progress and return to the past”. 

Papuashvili claimed Georgia would “never fall into revenge”, highlighting the victory of his party and its “commitment to the country’s unity and independence”. 

The Speaker also said the GD, which has now won four consecutive elections, had remained “steadfast in its mission to serve Georgia and its citizens”. 

Most importantly, in Georgia, as long as the GD stands firm, there will be no revival of parties managed by external forces, staffed by people standing on one leg, created under various names and titles”, he pledged. 

In his address, the Speaker also thanked the Georgian people for their “wisdom and support” in the elections, highlighting the voters had “once again shown trust” in the GD.

We, the GD, have received the trust of the voters for the fourth time in a row and have gained an absolute majority in the 11th convocation of the Parliament”, he said. 

Reflecting on Georgia’s journey to independence, the Speaker recalled the country’s secession from the Soviet Union 35 years ago, noting the path to freedom had been “challenging”. 

 The path to gaining freedom for Georgia cost Georgia dearly. That is why our achievement requires special care and protection”, he said and noted last month’s parliamentary elections had been a “de facto referendum”, offering the people a “clear choice between independence and subordination, reason and arrogance, traditional values and foreign influence”.

Papuashvili reiterated the Parliament would be “truly complete” only when elected representatives from the currently Russian-occupied Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) regions joined their colleagues in the legislature. 

This Parliament will be full-fledged only when elected representatives from Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region sit in this hall with us”, he said. 

In conclusion, Papuashvili reaffirmed the GD’s vision for a “united, strong, and independent Georgia”.