Georgian Parliament Vice Speaker says developments in Europe vindicate Georgia’s Transparency Law

Giorgi Kakhiani, the Vice Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, on Thursday commented on ongoing protests in Europe, drawing parallels with events in Georgia and claiming that the protests in Georgia had been funded from abroad.

Kakhiani said similar processes were now unfolding in other countries and were also allegedly being financed from abroad. He argued that these developments further confirmed that the adoption of the Law on Transparency had been in line with Georgia’s national interests.

“Once again, we can draw a parallel. At the time, we said that the processes taking place in Georgia were funded from abroad. Today, the same or similar processes are unfolding in these countries, apparently also funded from outside them. This once again shows that the laws we adopted at the time are in line with the country’s national interests”, he said.

Kakhiani also welcomed the conclusion of plea agreements with individuals convicted in connection with the October 4 case, describing the admission of guilt and expression of remorse as commendable. He said the state’s appropriate response to such conduct was intended to encourage others to follow suit.

“When individuals realise that they have committed a crime, admit it and express some remorse, this is certainly welcome and the right thing to do. In my view, other convicted individuals should act similarly, as they are being held captive by circumstances imposed on them. The state, in turn, responds appropriately to those who admit and repent for their crimes. The conclusion of the relevant plea agreements is precisely linked to this”, he concluded.

On October 4, 2025, large-scale protests in Tbilisi escalated into a confrontation when a group of demonstrators attempted to storm the presidential palace. The unrest took place on the same day as Georgia’s municipal elections.

Authorities detained five opposition figures, including Paata Burchuladze, who faced charges related to an alleged plot to overthrow the government.

Government officials described the events as a failed coup attempt allegedly orchestrated with foreign backing. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze characterised the protests as “an attempted overthrow of the constitutional order.”