Georgian Parliament Speaker marks 105 years since Soviet occupation with call for national strength

On the anniversary of the 1921 Soviet occupation, the Georgian Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili issued a statement reflecting on February 25 as a date that continues to shape Georgia’s modern reality.

In a social media message, Papuashvili emphasised that while the Democratic Republic was forcibly suppressed 105 years ago, the struggle for genuine independence and territorial integrity remains an ongoing challenge.

The Speaker recounted the historical events of February 25, 1921, when the Russian 11th Army took Tbilisi, plunging Georgia into 70 years of “captivity within a new ideology and the Red Empire”.
While acknowledging that Georgia saw industrial, economic, and cultural growth during the Soviet era - fueled by a deep-rooted national consciousness - Papuashvili stressed that the most vital element was missing: independence.

“Throughout history, Georgians have never abandoned the aspiration for freedom and independence, regardless of the imperial space in which they were forced to exist”, Papuashvili said.

He stated that beyond the violation of independence by force, Georgia also faced an assault “by word”, adding that the occupation of Georgian territories was accompanied by the “occupation of Georgian minds”.

The speaker further highlighted that the communist international was replaced by a liberal international, and figures once raising red flags over Tbilisi were succeeded by “rootless individuals waving foreign flags”.

The speaker stressed that history showed external aggression was strengthened by internal weakness.

“Just as 105 years ago, today as well, a fifth column serving foreign interests remains the most effective instrument of any intervention”, he said, adding that while methods and forms change, the goal remains the same - to weaken the state from within.

“February 25 must serve as a reminder of the reality Georgia lives in, the price it has paid for its love of freedom, and the true value of independence. Independence is a constant responsibility. Those who fail to carry it ultimately lose the state”, Papuashvili concluded.