Georgian Parliament Speaker highlights “national unity, historical resilience, enduring pursuit of sovereignty” in Independence Day message

Georgia marked its Independence Day with a ceremonial military parade, where Speaker of Parliament Shalva Papuashvili delivered a speech highlighting national unity, historical resilience, and the enduring pursuit of sovereignty.

Congratulating the public on Independence Day of Georgia, Papuashvili described the occasion as a symbol of the nation’s “will, love of freedom, and responsibility”.

He emphasised that there has never been a period in Georgian history without a continued struggle and reflection on independence, noting that this persistent drive has been passed down through generations, awaiting “the next window of history”.

The Speaker also underscored the special significance of this year’s celebration, marking the 1 700th anniversary of Christianity being declared a state religion in Georgia.

He said this milestone serves as a reminder that the Georgian state and the Georgian Church have coexisted for 17 centuries, jointly forming the spiritual and national foundation that helped the country survive through the most difficult historical periods.

According to Papuashvili, Georgia’s survival has been ensured by national self-awareness and three core values: love of the homeland, loyalty to traditions, and strength of faith. He stated that these values have been preserved through two key institutions - the Georgian state and the Georgian Church - which, in his words, cannot be separated or understood independently.

He also referred to historical pressures faced by the nation, saying that in past centuries attempts were made to weaken both statehood and faith, but that Georgia has continued its struggle for full independence ever since.

“This struggle is not yet complete”, he concluded, reaffirming that the pursuit of national sovereignty remains ongoing.