Georgian Parliament Speaker: voice of national Parliaments must rise in era of uncertainty
Shalva Papuashvili
Photo: Imedi TV
Georgian Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Thursday said that in an era of uncertainty, the voice of national parliaments must not fade, but must rise.
In his address at the General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Papuashvili noted that it was often said that the global order was weakening, and perhaps it was, but one foundation remained unshaken - national interest.
“We are not observers of history. We are its authors. It is in our chambers that the sovereign will of nations takes shape. It is through us that the people speak - clearly, legitimately, and decisively. And it is our duty to ensure that this voice is never diluted, never overshadowed, and never replaced”, he said.
“This is the only true compass of foreign policy. Not abstract doctrines. Not imposed ideologies. Not artificial systems of values detached from the will of the people. Any system that seeks to override national interest will ultimately collapse. Because what is not rooted in the people cannot endure”, Papuashvili noted.
He further emphasised that true international cooperation was not built on illusion.
“It is built on reality. And reality is simple: nations act in their interests. When those interests are expressed through democratic will, cooperation becomes stronger, peace more durable and order more stable”, he continued.
“Today, we face a defining challenge: foreign interference.In an age of information warfare and invisible influence, sovereignty is no longer defended only at borders, it is defended within our institutions and societies. Protecting the integrity of our political systems is no longer optional, it is essential”, the speaker noted.
“This is why nations are acting. This is why we see the emergence of legislative frameworks across the world: The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) in the United States, the Democracy Shield in the European Union, the Foreign Interference Law in France, the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) in the United Kingdom, or the Foreign Influence Transparency Law in Georgia. Though they differ in name, we see the same principle taking legal form: democracy must be shaped by the people, not by foreign power”, he concluded.
All News
16 April 2026, 20:28
Foreign policy
Georgian PM to feature at Antalya Diplomacy Forum
Georgian prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze will participate in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum.
16 April 2026, 20:07
Foreign policy
Georgian, Romanian FMs discuss cooperation in Black Sea region
Georgian foreign minister Maka Botchorishvili on Thursday held a phone conversation with her Romanian counterpart Oana-Silvia Țoiu.
16 April 2026, 20:04
Economy
Georgian Parliament Speaker says IMF data confirms Government’s “people-first” approach
Georgian Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Thursday addressed the latest International Monetary Fund projections, which rank Georgia among the world’s top three countries for progress in real and purchasing power economic prosperity between 2013 and 2031.
16 April 2026, 19:13
Politics
Georgian Parliament Speaker denounces “double standards” in international relations, calls for uniform global rules and consistent standards
Georgian Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Thursday said there were double standards, noting that what was called “protection” in one country was labeled “restriction” in another and what was praised in one system was condemned in the next, and further added that “if we are serious about cooperation, then the rules must be the same for all”.
16 April 2026, 17:22
Politics
Georgia’s ruling party Sec Gen says country’s economic growth driven by Government commitment to peace
Kakha Kaladze, the mayor of Tbilisi and secretary general of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Thursday said that Georgia’s ongoing economic development is a direct result of the government's commitment to maintaining peace.
16 April 2026, 17:14
Politics
Georgia’s ruling party Sec Gen calls Magyar’s remarks “very important”, rejects foreign interference in domestic politics
Kakha Kaladze, the mayor of Tbilisi and secretary general of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Thursday said that Péter Magyar made an important statement after his victory in Hungary’s parliamentary elections, noting that he does not intend to interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.
16 April 2026, 15:51
Economy
Georgian Finance Minister: World Bank reaffirms support for Georgia’s reforms and infrastructure funding
The World Bank has confirmed its continued support for Georgia in both reform implementation and the financing of infrastructure projects, said on Thursday Georgian minister of finance Lasha Khutsishvili.
16 April 2026, 15:27
Politics
Georgia’s ruling party Sec Gen says reports on foreign involvement in opposition plans “nothing new”
Kakha Kaladze, the mayor of Tbilisi and secretary general of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Thursday addressed recent reports regarding alleged revolutionary plots, stating that information linking foreign consultants to opposition strategies is “nothing new”.
16 April 2026, 14:56
Economy
IMF projects strong long-term growth for Georgia through 2031
The International Monetary Fund has released its long-term global economic outlook, highlighting Georgia as a top-tier performer in both historical progress and future projections. According to the data, Georgia is positioned to be a global leader in the growth of real GDP per capita and Purchasing Power Parity.
16 April 2026, 14:48
Foreign policy
Georgian Gov’t Administration Head, Weimar Triangle countries delegation discuss Georgia-EU relations
Levan Zhorzholiani, the head of the Georgian government administration, on Thursday held a high-level meeting with representatives of the Weimar Triangle countries to discuss the current state and future prospects of Georgia-EU relations.
16 April 2026, 13:46
Foreign policy
Georgian Parliament Speaker: EU’s approach to Georgia and candidate countries misaligned with European values
Georgian Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Thursday said that during his address at the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Turkey, he will focus on the risks of external interference and the need for a unified approach to addressing hybrid threats.
16 April 2026, 13:33
Economy
Starbucks officially announces entry into Georgia, first store to open in Tbilisi in 2026
Starbucks has officially announced its entry into Georgia, with branded stores to open in partnership with Alshaya Group, one of the world’s largest licensed Starbucks partners.
16 April 2026, 12:43
Foreign policy
Georgian FM says EU’s distancing from Georgia “unproductive” as regional dynamics highlight country’s role
Georgian foreign minister Maka Botchorishvili on Thursday addressed the current state of relations between Georgia and the European Union, emphasizing that while formal political dialogue remains suspended by Brussels, the objective necessity for cooperation is more evident than ever.
16 April 2026, 12:20
Politics
Imedi TV: Igor Blaževič of Prague Civil Society Centre linked to revolutionary blueprint for Georgian opposition
Imedi TV on Thursday reported that the Georgian opposition is following a revolutionary scenario authored by Igor Blaževič, a prominent leader of the Prague Civil Society Centre.
16 April 2026, 11:32
Politics
Georgian Parliament official highlights peace, stability as top priorities - Georgian Dream “measures every step”
Peace and stability are the most important priorities today, and every step taken by the ruling party is carefully measured to minimise security risks, said on Wednesday Levan Machavariani, the first deputy chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party faction in the legislative body.
16 April 2026, 11:24
Foreign policy
Georgian FM: Georgian Gov’t working daily to renew strategic partnership with United States
Georgian foreign minister Maka Botchorishvili on Wednesday underscored the necessity of renewing strategic relations between Georgia and the United States.
15 April 2026, 21:41
Politics
Georgian President, UN-accredited Ambassadors discuss strengthening international engagement, partnerships
Georgian president Mikheil Kavelashvili on Wednesday held a meeting with ambassadors accredited to the United Nations, highlighting Georgia’s role in international cooperation and dialogue.
15 April 2026, 19:19
Politics
Georgian Parliament Speaker criticises Brussels’ approach to EU candidate countries
Georgian Parliament speaker Shalva Papuashvili on Wednesday said European Union institutions were increasingly shifting from dialogue to directives, creating additional challenges for candidate countries such as Georgia.
15 April 2026, 19:10
Politics
Georgian PM, Council of Europe Human Rights Commissioner discuss implementation of 2024-2026 Human Rights Action Plan
Georgian prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms during a meeting with the Council of Europe commissioner for human rights Michael O’Flaherty.