Georgian Parliament Speaker highlights “independence, freedom, sovereignty” as core national identity

Georgian Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Thursday took to social media to commemorate the historic significance of April 9, emphasising that Georgia’s sovereignty is the hard-won result of a relentless struggle.

In a poignant tribute, Papuashvili reflected on the dual significance of the date, marking both the tragic crackdown on peaceful protesters in 1989 and the restoration of independence in 1991.

The speaker noted that for three and a half decades, Georgia has navigated a “difficult, thorny path full of trials” as an independent state. He acknowledged the hardships the nation has faced, including mistakes and defeats, while highlighting the resilience of the Georgian people.

“We have two 9 Aprils: the night of April 9, 1989, and the day of April 9, 1991. These dates differ, yet they are inseparably linked. When we recall April 9, we first remember 1989. Those who lived through it recall the scale of the tragedy, the oppressive environment, and the eruption of shared pain and anger”, he said.

“However, just two years later, on April 9, 1991, in today’s parliament building, Georgia restored its independence. For 35 years, we have followed the challenging path of an independent state. Along the way, we made mistakes, paid a heavy price, and sometimes fell. But despite everything, we always stood up. We never accepted defeat. We learned from our mistakes, felt the weight and sweetness of independence, and understood its value and dignity. This is our 35-year legacy”, the speaker continued.

Drawing parallels to the present day, Papuashvili referenced the historic warning of the late Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia that “the danger is real”. He cautioned that while threats may change form, they have not disappeared.

“Do we face fewer dangers today? They haven't gone anywhere”, he stated, adding that the nation has learned to understand both the “weight and the sweetness” of independence.

“At the same time, the words that ‘the will of the Georgian people has been fulfilled’ still thunder across our nation. Independence, freedom, and sovereignty are not mere words. They are our identity, the fruit of our struggle, and our raised flag that no one can bring down. There will never come a day when we will not say loudly, firmly, and unwaveringly: Long live independent Georgia! May God protect us!” Papuashvili concluded.