“In 1989, Rodionov’s soldiers attempted to crush the idea of independence, but they ultimately failed. Today, those soldiers with oars on Rustaveli have been replaced by individuals waving foreign flags—people who have lost their homeland and are striving to extinguish the flame of Georgia’s independence with the same ruthless determination,” Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili said on social media.

He asserted that the Georgian people have learned important lessons from history and have elected a government prepared to defend the state at all costs.

“There have always been differences of opinion, even during the most challenging moments in history. This was true on April 9, 1989, when varying viewpoints emerged, including a boycott by other parties apart from the Round Table, debates over the necessity of a referendum, and disagreements on numerous issues. Those differences even escalated to the brink of civil war. However, as time passed, history evaluated the events, and people drew essential conclusions. It became clear what constituted foolishness and what was instigated by outside forces. Now that our state has been established and is resolutely defending its sovereignty and independence, a foreign power has once again attempted to destabilize our foundations. It has reignited propaganda of hatred, aiming to divide, subjugate, and govern us while imposing its political agenda on our national interests.

In 1989, Rodionov’s soldiers tried, but they could not extinguish our desire for independence. Now, those who have lost their homeland wave foreign flags to suppress Georgia’s independence with the same ruthlessness.

This will not succeed today. The Georgian people have learned their lesson. They have chosen a government committed to defending our nation to the end. We will not succumb to this provocation; they are unworthy of enacting their scenario here. The only mandate that will be fulfilled in this country is the will of the Georgian people, which embodies equality, justice, independence, and identity. We will prevail; Georgia will prevail, along with the ideals of April 9 and the sacrifices made for our freedom,” writes Shalva Papuashvili.