Georgian Parliament Speaker says Brussels stands behind Tbilisi street clashes

Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Sunday commented on Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s recent statement about launching a signature campaign against Brussels’ military plans, suggesting that the European Union’s “peace project” was increasingly turning into a “war project”.

“I don’t know to what extent they realize in the capitals of the European Union that the ‘peace project’ is increasingly resembling a ‘war project’. This is something EU leaders themselves should discuss. However, one thing is clear - Brussels stands behind the street wars in Tbilisi”, the Speaker said.

Earlier, Orbán said that Brussels had presented its “war plan” in Copenhagen a few weeks ago. According to him, the plan envisions Europe providing funding, Ukrainians fighting, and Russia eventually becoming exhausted. However, Orbán added that no one has said how much this would cost Europe or how long the process might last.

He emphasised that Hungary does not wish to take part in this scenario.

On October 4, large-scale protests in Tbilisi escalated into a dramatic confrontation, as a group of radical demonstrators tried to storm the presidential palace. The unrest occurred on the same day Georgia held municipal elections.

Authorities detained at least five opposition figures, including Paata Burchuladze. They are now facing charges of plotting to overthrow the government - a potential offense that could carry lengthy prison sentences.

Government officials described the events as a failed coup attempt orchestrated with foreign backing. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze called the protests “an attempted overthrow of the constitutional order”.