Georgian Parliament Speaker labels certain parties, NGOs as “extremist” over election disruption efforts

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Saturday said the domestic opposition parties such as the United National Movement and Akhali, along with other groups calling for the disruption of elections, would henceforth be considered extremist parties, likewise, NGOs that urge the cancellation or disruption of elections would be classified as extremist NGOs.

In his remarks over the ongoing local elections, Papuashvili noted that the fact that several parties and NGOs were “officially distancing themselves from democracy” represented, despite its tragic aspect, a process beneficial to Georgia’s democratic development.

“As tragic as it may be that several parties and NGOs officially distance themselves from democracy, it is still a useful process for our democracy, as it clearly draws a red line between, on the one hand, Georgia’s patriots and democrats - those who express their will through their choice - and, on the other hand, radicals, extremists, and groups, parties, or NGOs acting on behalf of foreign interests”, the Speaker said.

He added that no country, constitution, or legal system would define such actions as anything other than extremism.

“Therefore, from today, the UNM, Akhali, and other parties attempting to disrupt the elections will be extremist parties. Likewise, NGOs that refuse to participate in the elections and call for their disruption will be extremist NGOs. Our attitude toward them - and that of the Georgian people - will be appropriate, as toward extremists. The same applies to organisations that attempt to finance them - they will be considered financiers of extremism by every criterion”, Papuashvili continued.

“So, this is a beneficial process for our democracy - when extremists are identified and confined to their marginal space”, he stressed.

Papuashvili further commented on the rally announced by the United National Movement, emphasising that no one should resort to violence.

“Regarding the announced acts of violence, we are observing how the process will unfold. It is deeply disappointing that we have witnessed support for this announced violent rally from the spokesperson of the European Commission. I want to underline this again - if there is even a single act of violence committed by the rally participants, the European Commission, through its spokesperson, will share responsibility for it. Naturally, we will have political questions for them on this issue. The right to peaceful assembly is guaranteed for all Georgian citizens. However, I strongly advise everyone not to resort to even a single act of violence during this rally”, the Speaker concluded.