Georgian Parliament Speaker criticises French Ambassador over democracy lecture, Le Pen case cited

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Thursday delivered a sharp rebuke to foreign embassies, accusing them of displaying a “Soviet mentality” and engaging in “one-sided statements” while ignoring Georgia's concerns.

Papuashvili’s comments came after the French Embassy on Thursday transferred funding to the non-governmental organisation Soviet Past Research Laboratory (SOVLAB) a few hours before the adoption of the law on grants to ensure transparency.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Papuashvili expressed frustration over the lack of response from embassies to Georgia's questions and claims.

“Well, they may not believe us, but the US not only acknowledged it but confirmed in detail the misuse of foreign funds for subversive activities. Now, should anyone try to spin this narrative - that American money is bad, but French money is good?” the Speaker said.

He further recalled the recent conviction of the French politician Marine Le Pen, who was disqualified from the presidential race, stressing that it was “cynical” that after all this the French Ambassador wanted to lecture the Georgian Government on democracy and respect for differing opinions.