"Refusing to acknowledge the direct correlation—that demographic challenges in countries increase alongside rising prosperity—is simply like rejecting science and claiming the Earth is flat; unfortunately, that is the case, but these challenges require appropriate responses," - this statement was made by Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili during a plenary session, in response to remarks regarding demographic challenges by opposition MP Daji Kovziridze.

According to Shalva Papuashvili, the global map of birth rates demonstrates a direct link between socio-economic conditions and birth rates—a fact that is simply an established truth in demographic research. He noted that it is an unfortunate reality that this connection is one of the contributing factors; however, in such cases, additional ways must be found to encourage couples.

"This does not mean we should take a fatalistic view—believing nothing can be done. Instead, we need to find additional incentives to encourage couples—firstly, to increase marriage rates (an area where challenges exist), and subsequently, to boost birth rates, and so on. We all agree that this is a challenge and that appropriate measures are required; indeed, some steps have already been taken—such as providing free kindergartens, which is one component of this effort. Furthermore, work is underway; the Healthcare Committee established a working group on this issue, and various ideas are being developed in consultation with the government, with new initiatives expected soon. However, to deny the direct correlation between rising prosperity and increasing demographic challenges is akin to rejecting science and claiming the Earth is flat. Unfortunately, that is the reality, but these challenges require appropriate responses," Papuashvili stated.

Notably, during the parliamentary plenary session, Daji Kovziridze—an MP from the Gakharia for Georgia party—addressed the issue of demographics, noting that last year, the number of births in Georgia was 6,400 lower than the number of deaths.

She also remarked to Papuashvili: "You tried explaining the demographic decline the other way around—that people are living too well, and that is why we are no longer reproducing."

According to the MP, it is no coincidence that the demographic situation has been deteriorating year by year during Georgian Dream's tenure; the government's economic policy has a direct impact on further exacerbating the existing demographic crisis.