On November 11, the representatives of the parliaments of the European countries addressed the protesters gathered in Tbilisi. Among them were German Michael Roth, Polish Michau Kaminski, Lithuanian Žygimantas Pavillionis, Finnish Jukka Kopra and Swedish Erik Otosson.
Michael Roth: “We are glad to return to Tbilisi, the real capital of Europe. We like your hospitality, but I know there are some people in your country, especially your government and ruling party, who are not happy about our visit. We are not enemies, we are friends. We are friends of free and democratic Georgia, which is actually the center of Europe today. Europe is your place and you deserve it.
“In this dark time, I want to tell you that the mission is accomplished, democracy is alive, but not because of your ruling party, but because of you, thanks to you.
“In a liberal democracy, we never say ‘mission accomplished.’ This process is never finished, we must constantly fight for freedom and democracy. That’s why I want to tell you not to give up, we are with you.”
Zygimantas Pavillionis: “Someone is trying to take away your freedom and democracy, NATO and EU membership. Don’t give up! Fight back for freedom, democracy, country, European integration.
“Remember that there is no ‘Orban’ path to the EU. Not ‘Russian’ dream. It is the European dream. And you are part of this Europe. You have to be the best to make it to Europe. You must have a plan. Freedom is not a gift. It must be earned through tireless work. We will always be by your side. You are Europe!”
Erik Ottosson: “I come from Sweden, where we joke that the country has been ‘suffering in peace’ for two hundred years, which means we might be a bit naive. But reality is closing in, reality is closing in on the continent as a whole. Russian aggression does not have only one face, tanks and shells. It has a face coming in the back door that you almost don’t recognize until it’s too late. But Georgia- it is not late, it is never late. As long as you fight for democracy, it will never be too late. When you fight for democracy, then democracy lives. Never give up!”
Jukka Kopra: “Democracy needs free and fair elections. Democracy needs people, and I see many people here. But why did I come from Finland to Tbilisi? Actually, this is not my first visit to Tbilisi. I was here for the first time in 1978, when I was a small child, during the Soviet rule. And when I came with my family, there were demonstrations. People demonstrated against the Soviet language law, and in 1978 the Georgian people managed to get the Soviet government to stop the language law from being implemented. So, Georgians, you have a good history of demonstrations. You have everything to bring democracy to the country. We are here to support you on your way to democracy and Europe. We are Europe, you are Europe, we are all Europe. Never give up on this path, believe in yourself, believe in free and fair elections, believe in freedom and freedom will win. Democracy will come to Georgia!”
Mihau Kaminski: “I love you, Georgia! I love you, Tbilisi! I stood here with your great President Saakashvili and the great President Lech Kaczyski. We stood here when the Russian tanks were approaching Tbilisi, and Tbilisi was saved! Georgia survived! Georgia survived the Russian aggression.
“I had a dream, I had a real Georgian dream: That your country would be in Europe, full of freedom and love. This is my Georgian dream, your Georgian dream, and you will win!
“To those who want to steal your elections, to those who want to steal your votes and your freedom, we will repeat the words of Ukrainian soldiers – ‘Русский военный корпаль…’.
“This is our answer to Putin. This is our answer to Russia. We will win! Georgia will be in Europe. No one should dare to steal your votes and your freedom! Georgia will be free. Misha Saakashvili should be free!”
