Shalva Papuashvili, Chairman of the Georgian Parliament and a political leader of Georgian Dream, emphasized that Georgia can only enter the European family of nations by confidently defending its identity and acting in its own interests. His remarks came during a campaign event in Kutaisi, where he criticized external pressures and hypocrisy, including calls for sanctions on Russia and the release of former President Mikheil Saakashvili.

Papuashvili questioned whether certain actions promoted by European institutions truly align with European values, casting doubt on demands made by the European Parliament for the release of Saakashvili and other political figures like Zurab Adeishvili and Davit Kezerashvili. He also criticized expectations for Georgia to impose sanctions on Russia despite being under NATO's "nuclear umbrella."

"If you demand the unconditional release of Saakashvili, is this Europe? If you host Adeishvili in the offices of Brussels, is this Europe? If you protect Kezerashvili from punishment, is this Europe? If you ask Georgia to impose sanctions on Russia, is this Europe? Of course not!" Papuashvili exclaimed, asserting that the Georgian people understand the true values that unite them with Europe.

Papuashvili emphasized that Georgian identity has always been deeply intertwined with European civilization, tracing the country's role in shaping Western culture. He invoked the memory of Georgia's historic leaders and cities, noting that Georgian culture is one of the "pearls of world civilization."

"We Georgians, who were co-creators of Western culture, stand at its beginnings... Georgian identity is European identity, and Georgian value is a true European value," he stated, reinforcing that Georgia’s Christian roots are central to its European heritage.

Papuashvili expressed concern over what he described as a distortion of values in contemporary European politics, accusing European institutions of hypocrisy. He argued that terms like "peace" and "freedom" are being misrepresented, and questioned the sincerity of European support for Georgia when it contradicts the country's core values.

"We witness the unheard-of hypocrisy of calling white for black. We see how they present war as peace, standing on one foot as freedom, and lies as truth," Papuashvili said, referencing a recent European Parliament resolution that included calls for the release of Saakashvili and sanctions against Russia.

In his speech, Papuashvili called for national unity and a renewed commitment to Georgia's identity, faith, and traditions. He pointed to past demonstrations of public support for these values, such as the May 17 celebration of family sanctity, and called for a repeat of this "public referendum" during the October 26 elections.

"On October 26, this public referendum should be repeated at the ballot boxes. We choose Georgia, and this choice should be the final victory of Georgian values," he urged.

Papuashvili concluded his speech by stressing that only a self-confident Georgia, defending its identity and acting in its own interests, can join the European family with dignity. He argued that the country's future lies in peace, dignity, and prosperity, in line with the legacy of Georgia’s great ancestors.

"Only with peace, only with dignity, only with prosperity to Europe!" Papuashvili said.