Georgian parliament speaker: Radicals' rally was financed by EU

The Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, has sharply criticized the European Union (EU) over the radical rallies held in the country in recent days.

According to Report, Papuashvili said in a statement posted on social media that the recent protest action, which was marked by calls to “overthrow the government” and “punish everyone,” was financed by the EU.

“Yesterday’s rally of radicals, which openly called for the overthrow of the government and the punishment of everyone, was financed by the European Union. This point requires special attention,” the speaker noted.

Papuashvili added that such steps create an association between the EU and extremism in the Georgian public, which is extremely worrying.

According to the speaker of the parliament, international partners, especially the European Union’s representation in Tbilisi, should consider the possible consequences of their activities and refrain from supporting such radical groups.

Recently, rallies have been ongoing in Georgia in protest against the “Bill on Transparency of Foreign Influence.” Although the government claims that the bill aims to “increase transparency,” the opposition and certain NGOs are calling the initiative a “Russian bill” and demanding its repeal.