Shalva Papuashvili: Macron's statement on Russian interference was based on a false narrative; everyone should respect the will of the people—we did not gain independence to allow foreign politicians to interfere in our democratic process

Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, criticized French President Emmanuel Macron's recent comments on alleged Russian interference and ballot-stuffing in Georgia. Papuashvili stated that such claims are based on a false narrative and urged respect for the will of the Georgian people.

"President Macron’s statement yesterday on Russian interference and ballot-stuffing was based on a false narrative. Everyone must respect the will of the Georgian people. We did not shed blood to gain independence from Soviet Russia just to have foreign politicians, of varying ranks, meddling in the expression of our people’s will every other day," Papuashvili said in response to Macron's remarks.

He emphasized that it is regrettable when a statement by the French president is rooted in misinformation, reflecting poorly on those who prepared such talking points.

Papuashvili dismissed allegations of election interference, citing a single isolated incident in Marneuli where an individual was caught on camera tampering with ballots and subsequently detained.

“Both points in President Macron’s statement—on Russian interference and ballot-stuffing—are based on a false narrative. Such statements undermine trust in foreign governments among the Georgian people. Respect for the will of the Georgian people is fundamental,” Papuashvili added.

He also criticized the French ambassador to Georgia, Sheraz Gasri, for suggesting that new elections could resolve the political crisis, calling it disrespectful to Georgian voters.

“This talk of new elections, regardless of who proposes it, shows a lack of respect for the 1.12 million Georgian citizens who voted. Sovereignty must be respected, and attempts to interfere in our democratic process are unacceptable,” Papuashvili said.

Papuashvili warned that if foreign leaders continue commenting on Georgia’s government, Georgia will reciprocate by scrutinizing their political situations, highlighting legitimacy crises in some European countries.

For context, Macron, in a meeting with French diplomats, mentioned that Russia has become more aggressive towards its neighbors, citing alleged election interference in Georgia, Armenia, and Moldova. He also praised Moldovan President Maia Sandu for her courage in resisting Russian influence.

Additionally, French Ambassador Gasri stated on social media that Macron suggested new elections could be a way out of Georgia's political crisis.