We and the Georgian people reserve the right to be critical of any state or policy when Georgia's national interests are at stake—this is what the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, told the media while answering a question about relations with Western partners.

According to Papuashvili, if anyone wants to silence the Georgian government and the Georgian people in order to remain in a comfortable "capsule" shielded from criticism, there is only one way to achieve that: by not attacking the Georgian people.

The Parliament Speaker stated that the ruling team's criticism is always a response to attacks. "We are not attacking anyone. We have maintained peace for 14 years. Firstly, we do not attack anyone; secondly, our criticism is always a response to attacks directed against Georgia and the Georgian people; and thirdly, we and the Georgian people reserve the right to be critical of any state or policy when Georgia's national interests are at stake. No one can take that right away from us. So, if anyone wants to silence the Georgian government and the Georgian people—in order to remain in a comfortable bubble, shielded from criticism—there is, of course, only one way to achieve that: by not attacking the Georgian people."

As for relations with the U.S., Papuashvili views a new strategic agreement as the primary benchmark for the full restoration of the partnership with Washington; however, the Speaker of Parliament notes that his team is satisfied with the dynamics of the relationship's development with the United States. As for relations with the US, I believe the dynamics of recent months indicate that these relations are moving toward a "reset." We are satisfied with the evolving dynamics between our two countries—specifically, the appointment of a new Chargé d'Affaires who holds a very positive attitude toward our country and is committed to cooperation, as well as the ongoing communication between our foreign affairs agencies. Furthermore, the launch of the "Trump Tower" project in Georgia—which implies Mr. Trump’s personal confidence in Georgia’s stable development—signals to us that the trajectory of these relations is the right one.

At the same time, we have clearly stated our benchmark. Regarding when we might say that this relationship fully aligns with our expectations, we have identified the establishment of a new strategic partnership as the criterion by which we will judge whether we are satisfied with the current level of relations. We have declared our readiness for this; whenever the US administration is ready, they have a very reliable partner in us—in Georgia and the Georgian government," stated the Speaker of Parliament.