Georgian Speaker calls Lari ‘symbol of sovereignty, stability’ on currency’s anniversary

Georgia is marking the 30th anniversary of its national currency, the lari, in what officials are calling a milestone of national sovereignty and economic development.

Speaking at a conference dedicated to the anniversary on Friday, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili described the lari not only as a financial instrument but as a "symbol of stability, development, and economic sovereignty."

“Thirty years ago, with the introduction of the lari, Georgia entered a new phase on the path toward sovereignty and independence,” Papuashvili said. “The national currency became an effective tool for advancing our national interests - peace, prosperity, and economic growth.”

The Speaker highlighted the broader significance of the occasion, noting that it coincided with the 30th anniversary of the country’s Constitution and the upcoming commemoration of 1,700 years since the Christianisation of Kartli.

“In a state with a three-thousand-year history, money has always been a key symbol of sovereignty,” he said. “In monarchical and feudal times, minting coins was the ultimate act of legitimacy and authority.”

Papuashvili further credited former President Eduard Shevardnadze for overseeing the creation of the lari and the adoption of Georgia’s Constitution in 1995 - steps he called fundamental to statehood.

He also praised the current ruling Georgian Dream party for what he described as “raising economic policy to new heights” and maintaining stability in the face of challenges over the past three decades.

“The Georgian lari continues to withstand economic pressures with dignity. It reflects our nation’s history, dignity, and ideology - both in form and substance,” he said.

The Speaker also called for continued innovation in currency design, including commemorative notes and coins, and commended the National Bank of Georgia for its “responsible monetary policy” and its role in sustaining a strong banking sector.

“Congratulations to everyone on the 30th anniversary of the Georgian lari,” Papuashvili concluded. “May each anniversary bring even more pride and joy.”