Tbilisi | July 17, 2025
Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has accused Western powers—particularly the European Union—of preparing to interfere in Georgia’s upcoming local elections this fall in an attempt to destabilize the country and install loyal political proxies.
Speaking on Georgian TV channel Imedi, Papuashvili alleged that early signs of foreign meddling are already visible.
“We are seeing the first signs of attempts to sow destabilization from abroad. Certain actions from Brussels suggest there will be foreign efforts to disrupt Georgia’s stability, just as we saw during previous elections,” he said. “That interference was later confirmed. I believe similar tactics—using letters and resolutions—will be employed again.”
Papuashvili further claimed that “certain political groups in the West” aim to bring their “puppets” to power in Georgia. “We’ve seen this movie before,” he added, implying a repeat of previous political interference.
The controversy follows a report by Imedi TV revealing a letter from the European Commission to Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Bochorishvili. In it, Brussels warns that Georgia risks losing its visa-free regime with the EU unless it complies with eight key recommendations. Among them: the repeal of controversial laws passed last year, including legislation on “foreign agents” and a ban on what the Georgian government terms “LGBT propaganda.”
Tbilisi has responded defiantly, calling the letter a form of political blackmail. Government officials maintain they have no intention of reversing the legislation, which they argue is necessary to protect Georgia’s sovereignty and traditional values.
The escalating rhetoric signals rising tensions between Tbilisi and Brussels as Georgia’s pro-EU aspirations collide with its increasingly nationalist domestic agenda. With local elections looming, the stakes are high—not just for Georgia’s political direction, but for its standing with Western partners.
