Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze addressed the public gathering at the parliament.

Below is the PM’s full speech:

“Let me greet you all, my fellow citizens! It is incredibly thrilling to see so many welcoming people!

I extend a warm greeting to all those gathered here today who support Georgia’s independence, sovereignty, peaceful development and aspirations for a prosperous European future.

Today, Georgia proudly stands as an independent and sovereign nation, upheld by a society rooted in strong values. We aspire to join the European Union with unwavering commitment to our independence, sovereignty, and shared principles.

Some influential voices envision the European Union as a union of weakened, non-sovereign states stripped of their identity and values. Yet, in truth, the EU’s strength lies in uniting sovereign nations – decent states that honor their national and religious identities, uphold democracy and the rule of law and cherish the moral fabric of society. Only by embracing these principles can the EU truly thrive and flourish.

I firmly believe that Georgia, as a nation deeply acquainted with the sacrifices for independence and the preservation of national identity throughout its history, holds a unique potential to enrich the European endeavor. With its valuable insights, Georgia can play a pivotal role in bolstering European sovereignty and values, revitalizing the European Union as a unified entity grounded in robust sovereign principles and enduring values.

The very voices seeking to undermine EU sovereignty and the core values of Europe often insist that acceptance into the European family requires sacrificing state sovereignty and abandoning traditional values. They demand that we forsake morality, faith and the role of the church. They advocate for relinquishing democracy, the rule of law, independent judiciary and the democratic process – all the foundational values upon which post-World War II Europe was built.

When a country joins the EU, it’s not just the EU opening its doors; it’s also the nation inviting the EU into its home. Hence, Georgia rightfully asserts its prerogative to request that the European Union respects its sovereignty and values prior to accession.

Winston Churchill’s famous quote, “In politics, there are no permanent friends and enemies, only permanent interests,” resonates deeply, especially in light of recent events in Afghanistan and Ukraine. These events serve as stark reminders that sovereignty is the ultimate safeguard of a nation’s security. We cannot entertain any demand that compromises Georgia’s independence, as it would be a betrayal of the brave souls who laid down their lives on April 9, right here on this very square, for the noble cause of Georgia’s national independence.

In recent years, The Georgian Dream has demonstrated its resilience by navigating through challenging times and achieving positive outcomes for the country. Since 2020, radical opposition groups and their affiliates, known as NGOs, have attempted twice to foment revolution, keeping the nation in a state of perpetual unrest for three years. This disruptive pattern has persisted for two decades, with their current efforts driven by a desire to conceal their illicit funds. Those who oppose the transparency of NGOs are united in their goal to prevent the country from finding stability, perpetuating a cycle of the so-called polarization and unrest.

Let me remind you that over the past three years, the government has effectively thwarted all attempts to destabilize the country, ensuring peace and earning candidate status. This underscores the principle that standing firm with dignity and refusing to bow down to external pressures yields commendable results.

All supporters and voters of the government share the responsibility in countering the persistent hostility waged by the radical opposition. Those who cast their votes for parties like the UNM, Khazaradze’s or Gakharia’s party, Girchi or any other radical political group in 2021 essentially endorsed chaos and division in Georgia. I urge each of these voters to deeply contemplate their responsibility to their country as we approach the upcoming elections in October.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Georgian people, whose unparalleled wisdom and resilience have been evident over the past four years. At most vital times, it was the right position and support of the Georgian society that enabled us to safeguard the national interests of our country, staying away from a disruption or a return of agents to the authorities and Ukrainisation of Georgia. I thank the Georgian people for this.

My heartfelt gratitude goes out to all the honorable Georgians – teachers, doctors, clergy, civil servants, soldiers, policemen, rescuers, veterans, athletes, artists, students, pensioners, displaced persons, entrepreneurs, workers, farmers, peasants and representatives of all ethnicities and religions. Each and every one of you, our fellow citizens, has stood unwaveringly where Georgia needed you most, championing our sovereignty and upholding the values that define us as a nation.

In recent weeks, we’ve witnessed several actions by the political minority. What sets apart these rallies and our gathering today is a fundamental principle: those rallies were conducted with a submissive mindset, advocating for EU membership while sacrificing sovereignty, independence and traditional values. It’s crucial for these individuals to understand that yielding sovereignty, independence and values to the whims of the radical opposition, NGOs and their backers would leave both the European Union and our entire country at a loss.

Today, Georgia is in need of progress – a swift surge in economic growth, the construction of essential infrastructure such as roads, airports, ports, power plants and stadiums, alongside continuous enhancements to the social well-being of our people. Georgia is poised to embark on a path of triumph and with determination, we will undoubtedly achieve it.

We proudly represent the political team established by Bidzina Ivanishvili, whose exemplary dedication, humanity, pragmatism and patience have served as guiding lights for us. He has exemplified selfless patriotism and unwavering commitment to national service, showing us how to protect and preserve the identity of our country. Bidzina Ivanishvili has demonstrated the importance of setting aside personal interests for the greater good, embodying loyalty to Georgia and its national cause. Those who seek to oppress and subjugate our country cannot forgive him for his steadfast commitment to Georgia’s sovereignty and prosperity. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bidzina Ivanishvili for the peace and economic progress we enjoy today, and for steering us toward candidacy for EU membership through peaceful means and economic advancement.

For months, we’ve faced threats that unless we relinquish the independence of the Central Election Commission and the judiciary, negotiations with the European Union won’t open. However, it’s worth noting that the EU has already opened negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova. Georgia stands head and shoulders above both nations in terms of democracy, the rule of law, human rights, institutional strength, corruption prevention and economic development. Therefore, it’s clear that restoring justice promptly is not just a demand for Georgia’s interests but also aligns with the best interests of the European Union.

Here you stand, representing the sentiments of the vast majority of the Georgian population. We urge the European Union, unlike in June 2022, to demonstrate proper respect for Georgian society, restore justice and open negotiations this year. This demand reflects the aspirations of the Georgian people and it is what both our society and our state rightfully deserve. Furthermore, we call on everyone to prioritize the well-being of the Georgian people and refrain from concealing illicit funds, particularly by those NGOs who seek to destabilize the country. This demonstrates a dignified and responsible approach toward the Georgian people.

The upcoming parliamentary elections in October hold immense significance, serving as a referendum on the laws regarding NGOs and pseudo-liberal propaganda. With the current support of over 60 percent of citizens, we are confident that The Georgian Dream will secure another resounding victory, marking the ninth consecutive triumph over the radical opposition. Our victory is not just a desire but a vital prerequisite for Georgia’s continued progress and development. Rest assured, we will emerge victorious.

I take pride in being Georgian, a proud citizen of our multi-ethnic and honorable nation. With unwavering determination, Georgia will undoubtedly progress towards a dignified future, steadfastly marching towards Europe. Most importantly, we will continue to pursue our ultimate dream – the unification and integration of Georgia – ensuring a brighter tomorrow for all our citizens. Together, we will forge ahead towards a prosperous and united future.

Wishing you a Happy Easter ahead! May God safeguard our country and all of you! Thank you very much!”