Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili met with the co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) Monitoring Committee, Edith Estrella and Sabina Ćudić.

As Papuashvili wrote on social media, during the meeting he stated that there is no evidence or indication of any so-called fraud in the 2024 parliamentary elections, “therefore, it was unclear on what basis the Parliamentary Assembly demanded early elections in Georgia in its resolution adopted at the beginning of the year.”

According to Papuashvili, the meeting also covered the ruling majority’s submission of a lawsuit to the Constitutional Court regarding the alleged unconstitutionality of three opposition parties, as well as Georgia’s plans for EU integration.

“I met with the PACE Monitoring Committee co-rapporteurs, Edith Estrella and Sabina Ćudić.

I welcomed the opportunity to meet with the co-rapporteurs.

I noted that with the local elections held in October, another electoral cycle in Georgia has concluded, and over the next three years, active work will continue in several directions, including on major legislative and institutional reforms.

I stated once again that there is still no evidence or indication of any so-called fraud in the 2024 parliamentary elections. Therefore, it was unclear on what grounds the Parliamentary Assembly, in its resolution adopted earlier this year, demanded early elections in Georgia—a decision that led to the suspension of the Georgian parliamentary delegation’s participation in PACE.

I also pointed out that the local elections were held under the same conditions as the parliamentary elections. However, two opposition parties ended their boycott and took part in the elections, which indirectly confirms that last year’s allegations of electoral fraud were deliberately false.

We discussed the legislation adopted by the Parliament of Georgia. I provided the co-rapporteurs with detailed information on recent legislative amendments. I noted that the laws subject to critical remarks are currently being reviewed by the Constitutional Court of Georgia and the European Court of Human Rights. Therefore, instead of political judgments, everyone should await the court’s decisions.

The discussion also touched upon Georgia’s plans on its path toward EU membership. I confirmed that work will continue to fulfill the obligations stipulated in the Association Agreement.

The issue of the ruling majority’s submission to the Constitutional Court concerning the alleged unconstitutionality of three opposition parties was also discussed.

I emphasized that Georgia remains a committed member of the Council of Europe and the Parliamentary Assembly. I underlined the importance of the Assembly’s respect for the principles of sovereignty, democracy, rule of law, and human rights protection,” Papuashvili wrote.

For reference, the PACE delegation met yesterday with representatives of opposition parties, non-governmental organizations, and media experts.