Speaker Papuashvili accuses opposition of ‘trading in people and democracy”

Georgia’s Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has criticised the opposition, claiming it had acted against the interests of the Georgian people and engaged in “political trafficking” since 2012.

Speaking to the media, Papuashvili said opposition forces failed to recognise the outcome of the 2024 elections and became “a tool in the hands of foreign powers against their own country.” He accused them of provoking individuals to commit crimes, sacrificing them to imprisonment, and then manipulating their fates for political gain.

He added that opposition methods also involved “trading in democracy,” seeking concessions through external influence while undermining democratic processes. Papuashvili stressed that the government will not participate in the practices.