Opposition leader Nika Gvaramia under fire after using autism-related terms in insulting context

Parents of children on the autism spectrum have responded strongly to the use of autism-related terms in an insulting context by Nika Gvaramia, the leader of the opposition Coalition for Change.

Human rights defender Mari Korkotadze criticised the remarks, saying that people with disabilities and neurodevelopmental conditions are repeatedly used in a degrading way in political discourse.

She argued that earlier public rhetoric had targeted children with Down syndrome and their condition, and that similar patterns are now being directed at autistic individuals. According to her, such statements cross all acceptable boundaries and deepen stigma against vulnerable groups.

In a strongly worded reaction, Korkotadze said that political ambition does not justify disrespect toward citizens, emphasizing that any future official must respect and protect all people equally under the law. She added that using children’s conditions to insult others is unacceptable and deeply painful for families.

“What comment am I even supposed to make? This person claims he wants to come to power, and when you want to be in government, it means you must do everything the law requires for your citizens. The law requires you to respect people who are different. He is not even in power yet, and he is already belittling my child's condition and crossing every line. I will never vote for such a politician, and I will never want someone like this in government - someone who uses the condition of different people just to put someone else down”, she said.

Another parent and disability rights advocate, Mariam Dalakishvili, also condemned such language. She said that no one should use terms like “autistic” or “Down syndrome” in a derogatory way, stressing that such expressions reinforce stigma and social exclusion.

Dalakishvili emphasised that this type of rhetoric is offensive not only to individuals with autism but also to their families, who continuously fight for inclusion and dignity. She called for greater awareness and basic sensitivity in public speech, noting that respect and emotional intelligence are essential in discussions involving disability.

The reactions highlight ongoing concerns among advocacy groups in Georgia about the use of disability-related terms in political and public debates, and renewed calls for more responsible language in public discourse.