Georgian Parliament Speaker warns of threats from “domestic terrorists” ahead of October 4 elections

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Friday warned that nothing can be ruled out from certain opposition groups ahead of October 4 local elections, describing them as “domestic terrorists”.

Speaking about the opposition’s prospects, Papuashvili said the group had virtually no support from the public.

“This is a marginalised group of people who have nothing but hysteria, resentment, violence, and insults - what President Trump calls domestic terrorism. We have such a domestic terrorist group whose members become emotionally agitated at night. We see them moving through the streets, and by morning, thankfully, they are calm, allowing the city and the country to live in peace. But at night, we must avoid them because tensions flare”, the Speaker said.

He added that the group had rejected democratic means.

“This is a domestic terrorist faction whose declared goal is to seize power through violence. They have publicly stated that they reject the democratic path. Many formally boycotted the elections and do not participate, while others participate only as part of a plan. The outcome for them will be zero - they have no public support. This is a domestic terrorist faction whose declared goal is to seize power through violence. They have publicly stated that they reject the democratic path. Many formally boycotted the elections and do not participate, while others participate only as part of a plan. The outcome for them will be zero - they have no public support. So, nothing can be ruled out from these domestic terrorists. Society must remain vigilant. At the same time, we are closely monitoring their contacts with foreign actors”, the Speaker concluded.