Amid recent events, the primary message for our people—that Georgia will become a member of the EU with dignity, peace, and prosperity—is being drowned out by the cacophony of violent protests. Such a statement made the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament.

“In the past week, the Georgian populace has not heard any rational proposals on how to facilitate the country’s EU accession without compromising national interests, security, and economic prosperity.

Opposition media are merely echoing pathetic calls from biased European politicians, while European institutions draft resolutions advocating for the release of Mikheil Saakashvili or the acquittal of David Kezerashvili.

The picture is clear. We choose the Strasbourg Court, which has scrutinized the judgments of the Georgian judiciary on numerous occasions. We favour assessments that are impartially conducted by the OSCE mission regarding parliamentary elections, while our opponents dismiss everything, label truth as lies, and ardently support any intentions that undermine our country.

The vast majority of the population has opted for peace, stability, a European future, and the nation’s development. Regrettably, revanchist and radical forces are not only betraying the trust of the country and the state but also letting down their voters. In recent days, we have witnessed desperate attempts to destabilize the nation; however, such plans have failed and will never succeed.

We believe sufficient time has elapsed, and significant events have occurred for emotions to subside. Life should return to its normal course, and political parties and their supporters must return to the constitutional framework.

The ongoing protests lack substance. We have not heard any articulate speeches; the protesters have avoided substantive debate, preferring to express themselves through noise. They protest against something that does not exist. No one has been able to identify any specific requests or legitimate factors that the EU offers but the government rejects them.

Everyone knows that the possibility of EU membership is projected for 2030, and our plan aims to meet this timeline. The initiation of negotiations lies within the hands of European structures. Georgia deserves to embark on this process and is fully prepared to do so; if talks are opened, we will accept, sign, and fulfil our responsibilities.

Artificial barriers have been erected on Georgia’s path to European integration; some foreign actors are disappointed by the outcomes of Georgian elections and unwilling to acknowledge the choices of the Georgian people.

This situation reinforces the suspicion that certain actors wish to restore the [United] National Movement’s regime and are, therefore, attempting to undermine the will of the Georgian populace.

However, this plan is destined to fail. Elections were held in Georgia; every party received the number of votes they earned. Georgia is a member of the European family, and it deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, and equality. As a nation with a rich European culture, we continue our civilized efforts toward development and progress.

Recent days have demonstrated that, despite the organization and motivation of aggressive groups by well-trained activists, this wave of demonstrations cannot attain its goal of orchestrating a coup, revolution, or sabotage within the country.

Therefore, the only rational alternative remains on the table: everyone should return to the bounds of the state and constitutional framework, renounce futile attacks and aggression that harm citizens, and allow them to resume their normal activities.

Instead of calling for strikes or submitting petitions, which will achieve nothing beyond self-lustration of the system, these groups should publicly acknowledge whom they supported in the elections and demand that their chosen parties take responsibility for the future of the country.

Amid global tensions and escalating crises, Georgia must navigate this challenging period with peace and determination”, - said Shalva Ppauashvili.