Shalva Papuashvili: I call on Brussels to condemn the violent attack on the Presidential Palace, refuse to provide political and financial support to radical groups in the future, and repeal the resolutions that undermine Georgia’s sovereignty

“One year has passed since October 4, 2025. On the first anniversary, I once again call on Brussels to condemn the violent attack on the Presidential Palace on October 4, 2025, refuse to provide political and financial support to radical groups in the future, and repeal the resolutions that undermine Georgia’s sovereignty,” Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili writes on social media.

According to him, “one year after the failed attempt to overthrow the government, it is particularly clear that on October 4, not only was a specific violent plan defeated, but the long-nurtured notion that the government in Georgia can be changed through street violence and foreign political support instead of elections was also defeated.”

“Today marks one year since October 4, 2025 - the day when an attempt to violently change the government in Georgia culminated in an assault on the Presidential Palace.

One year later, court verdicts have been handed down, and the organizers and participants of the assault are serving their sentences. A large number of those involved in the violence have admitted their guilt.

One year is enough time to look at that day not only through emotion, but now through the complete chain of facts.

October 4 did not begin in a single day.

It was preceded by weeks of announcements about overthrowing the government, romanticizing violent scenarios, and politically emboldening radical groups.

Against this backdrop, several days before October 4, the European Commission’s spokesperson was directly asked about the announced rally. In response, we heard not a call to participate in elections, nor a warning against violence, but direct support for a rally announced with the aim of overthrowing the government (!).

We immediately stated publicly that this was an extremely irresponsible statement and that, when the overthrow of the government is announced in advance, such a political signal amounts to encouragement for radicals.

Unfortunately, just a few days later, exactly what we had warned about happened.

On October 4, participants in the rally moved toward the Presidential Palace and attempted to storm it. The country, which was on the verge of bloodshed and a return to the 1990s, was saved only by the clear and organized actions of our law enforcement officers.

Here, it is particularly important to recall another circumstance.

For months beforehand, former President Salome Zourabichvili had presented herself as an alternative center of legitimacy. To reinforce this narrative, foreign politicians and diplomats regularly visited her for ‘consultations’ and posed alongside her in front of the presidential standard.

Even then, we warned everyone that playing with state symbols and creating the perception of a non-existent duality of power was not harmless political theater. Such symbols can encourage people to take real action.

Therefore, it was no coincidence that the Presidential Palace became the target on October 4. Nor was it a coincidence that after the defeat, we no longer saw any ‘consultations’ involving Zourabichvili and diplomats. However, to this day, we have still not heard Brussels condemn the attack on the Presidential Palace or clearly distance itself from the perpetrators of the violence.

One year after the failed attempt to overthrow the government, it is particularly clear that on October 4, not only was a specific violent plan defeated, but the long-nurtured notion that the government in Georgia can be changed through street violence and foreign political support instead of elections was finally defeated.

This is the main lesson of October 4 — Georgia’s fate is decided by the Georgian people, through elections and not through an assault.

Finally, on the first anniversary, I once again call on Brussels:

Condemn the violent attack on the Presidential Palace on October 4, 2025;

Refuse to provide political and financial support to radical groups in the future;

Repeal the resolutions that undermine Georgia’s sovereignty,” Papuashvili writes.

On October 4, in parallel with the local elections, the movement “Rustaveli Avenue” organized a protest rally called the “People’s Assembly.” Citizens initially gathered at Freedom Square. Following a speech by one of the organizers, Murtaz Zodelava, who addressed those gathered saying, “Today, masculine force will begin to act — we will move toward Baratashvili with masculine force and take the keys to the Presidential Palace; this will be the first step,” some of the protesters moved along Atoneli Street toward the Presidential Palace.

Several people also broke through the fence surrounding the courtyard of the Atoneli Palace. Chants including “Peaceful Revolution” and “Peaceful Overthrow” were heard at the protest.

Paata Burchuladze and Murtaz Zodelava were arrested, along with National Movement member Irakli Nadiradze, Strategy Builder leader Paata Manjgaladze, and Lasha Beridze. Dozens of other activists were also arrested in connection with the events of October 4.