Papuashvili: Brussels Supports Extremism Until It Condemns the October 4 Storming
Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili accused the European Union of double standards, stating that Brussels continues to side with extremism until it condemns the violent events of October 4.
"Until Brussels condemns and disassociates itself from the violent storming of the presidential palace by groups it supports, it will remain a supporter of extremism," Papuashvili wrote.
The speaker's statement came amid the publication of a joint statement by EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and European Commissioner Martha Kos on the results of the municipal elections in Georgia. In it, the European officials noted that "local elections were held in Georgia this Saturday amid a prolonged period of suppression of dissent."
Kallas and Kos emphasized that the country had witnessed months-long crackdowns on the independent press, as well as the adoption of laws restricting the activities of civil society and the opposition. According to them, these steps "dramatically reduced the possibility of holding competitive elections."
The municipal elections, won by candidates from the ruling Georgian Dream party, took place amid mass protests. The situation became particularly tense in the evening, when protesters attempted to storm the presidential palace. Local media reported that water cannons and tear gas were used to disperse the protesters.
