Tina Bokuchava at EPP Congress: Europe must stand united against the enemy, because only decisive action can stop the person who brought war back to the European continent - in the Georgian context, action means sanctions

One seat in our delegation remains conspicuously empty, the seat that belonged to Georgia’s third president, Mikheil Saakashvili, a man who stood up to Putin in 2008, did not give up Georgia’s sovereignty, and for that courage is now serving his fourth year in political prison, Tina Bokuchava, chairwoman of the United National Movement, said in her speech at the European People’s Party (EPP) Congress.

Bokuchava spoke about the ongoing events in Georgia and noted that Georgians have shown resilience and courage “in the face of Kremlin-organized terror and in their pursuit of a common European future.” She said that Europe must stand united against a common enemy.

“I would like to thank President Weber and all of you for your leadership in upholding the fundamental values ​​that bind us together and that are being tested across Europe. While Putin is waging a brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, he is waging a hybrid war against Georgia, a country that I am proud and honored to represent before you.

However, one seat in our delegation remains conspicuously empty, a seat that belongs to Georgia’s third president, Mikheil Saakashvili, the man who stood before you and stood up to Putin during the Russian invasion of Georgia in 2008 and warned Europe about Putin’s imperialist intentions long before the Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine. For this courage, he is now in his fourth year in political imprisonment under a Russian-backed regime.

Bidzina Ivanishvili destroyed our EU candidacy, his puppet prime minister announced the suspension of Georgia’s European integration after fraudulent elections, widely seen as a Russian special operation against the Georgian people.

This announcement sparked nationwide protests. The regime responded with brutal violence and repression, resulting in the arrest of over 500 people. More than 50 remain in political imprisonment. The regime has systematically ill-treated and tortured detainees, passed draconian laws imposing excessive fines, and has even raided the private homes of activists to instill fear and silence dissent.

And yet, the heart of Europe still beats in Tbilisi, as protests continue unabated for 153 days. We Georgians have shown resilience and courage in the face of Kremlin-orchestrated terror and in our pursuit of a common European future. However, Europe must stand united against our common enemy, because only decisive action can stop the man who brought war back to the European continent.

In the Georgian context, action means sanctions. Individual, targeted sanctions against Ivanishvili and his Kremlin-backed friends. Putinist regimes thrive on complacency. They thrive on division. Therefore, Europe must lead with unity and decisive action. Europe must be a leader, Europe will be a leader, and the European People’s Party will once again do its job for a united, free and peaceful Europe,” said Tina Bokuchava.

The aforementioned information was released by the Unity – National Movement.