**Georgian Parliament Speaker Sheds Light on 2021’s Political Turmoil**
In a recent presentation, Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, provided insight into the country’s tumultuous political landscape in 2021. According to him, the goal of foreign mediators during the April 19 Agreement negotiations was not just to facilitate talks between the government and opposition.
**Foreign Mediators’ True Intentions**
Papuashvili stated that while working on the document, it became clear that the European and American friends acting as mediators had a different understanding of their mandate. The text contained points that neither party nor any non-governmental organization (NGO) had requested at that time. One such point was the demand for a qualified majority for the election of the General Prosecutor.
**A Coordinated Effort with an Ambassador**
The Speaker emphasized that Giorgi Gakharia’s resignation in 2021, which aimed to encourage radicals, was actually a coordinated step with one of the ambassadors. Papuashvili recalled how Gakharia demanded the lifting of Nika Melia’s parliamentary immunity but later took a selfie and left, seemingly trying to fuel radical sentiments.
**Pressure Takes More Dangerous Forms**
Papuashvili also warned that pressure on the government would take even more hazardous forms. He pointed out that the Georgian Dream agreed to participate in a mediated process with Charles Michel, resulting in an agreement with some parties. However, it became evident that the foreign mediators had their own agenda.
**The “Buzz of Media Workers”**
The Speaker noted that the failed party revolution of 2020 was replaced by the “buzz of media workers” in 2021. He stated that despite the cancellation of the Charles Michel agreement, the 43% threshold that Georgian Dream had to surpass in the 2021 elections still carried symbolic significance.
**Polarization and Crisis Escalation**
Papuashvili further mentioned that the radical opposition refused to sign the Charles Michel document and enter Parliament, leading to continued political polarization. He emphasized how this situation was exploited in local elections.
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