Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, has criticized the international community’s stance on the recent unrest in Georgia, warning that Brussels will be viewed as backing extremist actions unless it clearly condemns the violence.
“Until Brussels condemns and distances itself from the violent storming of the Georgian Presidential Palace by groups it supports, it will remain a supporter of extremism,” Papuashvili wrote on social media.
The storming of the Georgian Presidential Palace occurred on October 4, 2025, amid local elections in Tbilisi that were boycotted by major opposition blocs. Thousands of protesters gathered in the city center, waving Georgian and EU flags and accusing the ruling Georgian Dream party of authoritarianism, election fraud, and distancing the country from its pro-Western path. A smaller group of demonstrators later attempted to breach the gates of the Orbeliani Presidential Palace on Atoneli Street. They managed to enter part of the courtyard after breaking through police barriers, but riot officers dispersed them using water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray. Following the clashes, several participants — including opposition figures — were detained and charged with offenses such as attempting to overthrow the constitutional order, group violence, and destruction of property.
