A series of statements by Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has reignited debate over freedom of speech, the role of the Orthodox Church, and the influence of the European Union.
Speaking to journalists in Tbilisi on Wednesday (7 January), Papuashvili strongly defended the Georgian Orthodox Church and the Patriarch’s warning that freedom of speech can be transformed into a destructive force when used irresponsibly.
He also criticised a post by imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili, suggesting that Christmas be celebrated on 25 December instead of 7 January.
The post led to discussions about celebrating Christmas on 25 December instead of 7 January, a sensitive issue in a country where the Orthodox Church holds significant social influence.
The Speaker further criticised what he described as externally funded ideologies, accusing Brussels and EU-backed non-governmental organisations of encouraging confrontation and hostility within Georgian society.
He claimed that years of foreign funding allowed aggressive rhetoric and verbal attacks to flourish in public life, framing Georgia as a testing ground for ideological experiments.
According to the Speaker, similar polarisation has surrounded public protests, NGO activity, and international involvement in domestic affairs, reinforcing mistrust between political actors, civil society, and international partners.
"Where there is violence, the EU flag flies; where there is hatred, the EU flag flies; where there is malice and personal attacks, the EU flag flies," he said.
European institutions reject accusations of interference, maintaining that their engagement in Georgia focuses on supporting democratic institutions, freedom of expression, independent media, and civil society.
EU officials have consistently stated that pluralism and open debate are fundamental to democratic development and to Georgia’s aspirations for closer integration with Europe.
From Brussels’ perspective, criticism of NGOs and external funding raises concerns about shrinking civic space and increased pressure on independent voices, an issue repeatedly highlighted in EU reports on Georgia’s democratic progress.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy said a Togo-flagged oil tanker was st...
The European Union will disburse €3.3 billion ($3.8 billion) to Ukraine for missiles and drones, European ...
Russia’s first State Duma election since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine is testing the country’s political system as voters c...
Russian air strikes injured 13 and damaged buildings in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv and in the Black Sea port city of Odesa in the early hours of Thursday, officials said on the Telegram messaging app.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy said a Togo-flagged oil tanker was struck while attempting to make an “illegal passage” through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media said early on Friday.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he hoped the war against Iran was nearing its end and that Tehran wanted to reach a deal, but Iran dismissed his comments as “mixed signals” as the conflict approaches its seventh month.
The European Union will disburse €3.3 billion ($3.8 billion) to Ukraine for missiles and drones, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said after a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Here's your AnewZ Daily Brief for 18 September 2026. These are the top five stories making headlines in the field of science.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy said a Togo-flagged oil tanker was struck while attempting to make an “illegal passage” through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media said early on Friday.
Baku ID 2026 has concluded in the Azerbaijani capital after two days that brought together technology leaders, entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers to explore the future of innovation and start-up development.
At least 16 people have been killed after suicide blasts during Friday prayers hit a police compound in Kohat, northwest Pakistan, officials said.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said Yerevan would not object if Russia decided to withdraw its 102nd Military Base from Gyumri, arguing that the facility no longer plays a vital role in Armenia’s security.
Azerbaijan is examining the use of digital technologies to document and protect historical and religious monuments, particularly sites in the liberated territories.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment