Speaker: Any act of violence by rally participants will make EC responsible; I strongly advise against resorting to violence
Speaker: Any act of violence by rally participants will make EC responsible; I strongly advise against resorting to violence
13:29, 04.10.2025
“From today onwards, the United National Movement, Ahali, and others attempting to disrupt the elections, as well as the NGOs calling on people to do so, will be recognised as extremists,” stated the Speaker of Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili.
As the Speaker of the Parliament emphasised, the Georgian government and the Georgian people will respond appropriately to extremism.
“No matter how tragic the moment, with several parties and NGOs officially distancing themselves from democracy, this process is nonetheless beneficial for our democracy. It draws a clear line between patriotic democrats and radical extremists, or parties and NGOs acting under foreign influence.
Those boycotting the elections and seeking to disrupt them are, by all definitions, engaging in extremist behaviour. From today onwards, the United National Movement, Ahali, and others attempting to disrupt the elections, as well as the NGOs calling on people to do so, will be recognised as extremist parties. NGOs encouraging people to disrupt the elections will also be seen as extremists. Our stance, and that of the Georgian people, towards extremism will be firm and appropriate. Any entity financing such actions will be considered a supporter of extremism. No country would tolerate such behaviour without deeming it extremist. This process is ultimately beneficial for our democracy, as it ensures extremists are marginalised,” Papuashvili stated.
Papuashvili further added that if any violence were to occur during today’s demonstration, the European Commission, through its spokesperson, would be responsible.
“Regarding the violence announced, we are monitoring the situation closely. It is deeply disappointing to see the European Commission’s spokesperson supporting violent demonstrations. If any acts of violence are committed by rally participants, the European Commission will be held accountable through its representative. We also have political questions for them. The right to peaceful protest is guaranteed, but I strongly advise against resorting to violence under any circumstances,” Papuashvili concluded.


By - Svetlana Alimova

Politics
2025 municipal elections
October 4 protest rally
Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili
violence
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