Georgian Parliament Speaker accuses opposition of treason, likens them to Soviet-era figure

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Monday leveled strong accusations against the domestic opposition, likening them to the 21st-century versions of Sergo Ordzhonikidze - a Bolshevik revolutionary instrumental in the Soviet takeover of Georgia in 1921, widely regarded as a traitor in Georgian history.

In his remarks, Papuashvili noted that anyone who campaigned against their own country and attempted to be used as a weapon by another state was a traitor.

“When a person or group takes the path of betrayal, nothing good comes of it. Ordzhonikidze wasn’t doing anything different - he too believed he was acting in Georgia’s best interests, yet he served a foreign power and was a traitor. The same goes for these individuals [the opposition], who try to portray themselves as doing something positive”, he said.

“Anyone who campaigns against their own country and attempts to be used as a weapon by another state is a traitor. That is the very definition of the word - someone who uses the power of a foreign Government against their own nation”, Papuashvili continued.

He further added that these actions were part of a broader attempt to harm the country on the international stage.

“They are the 21st-century traitorous Ordzhonikidzes, traveling to provoke a coordinated attack on Georgia. The methods may have changed - where tanks, blood, and artillery were once used, today we see sanctions as the tanks and cannons of the 21st century. But the motivation and attitude remain the same”, the Speaker pointed out.

Papuashvili further alleged that some opposition figures, if given the opportunity, would invite “tanks from Europe” under the guise of restoring democracy.