Georgia’s political landscape is on shaky ground as anti-government protests continue to grip the nation. Speaker of Parliament Shalva Papuashvili added fuel to the fire last week when he claimed that most Georgians view Ukraine’s 2013-14 Maidan protests as a symbol of national destruction. However, available data and public sentiment tell a different story.
Papuashvili’s Controversial Statement Draws Criticism
During an interview with the Georgian Public Broadcaster on February 20, Papuashvili suggested that the Ukrainian Maidan protests, which ousted pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych, have been perceived by most Georgians as a warning rather than an inspiration. His remarks were widely criticized for being misleading and out of step with the country’s strong pro-Ukraine sentiment.
The timing of his statement is significant. Georgia has seen nearly 90 consecutive days of anti-government protests following disputed parliamentary elections last October. Demonstrators, led by former President Salome Zourabichvili, are demanding new elections and accusing the ruling Georgian Dream party of aligning too closely with the Kremlin. In this context, Papuashvili’s words appear to serve the interests of the ruling party rather than reflect public opinion.
Public Sentiment Strongly Favors Ukraine
Contrary to Papuashvili’s claim, polling data suggests that Georgians overwhelmingly support Ukraine and its fight against Russian aggression. A survey conducted by the Tbilisi-based Analysis and Consulting Team in March 2022 found that:
- 87% of Georgians viewed Russia’s war against Ukraine as “our war too.”
- 72% believed that if Russia succeeded in Ukraine, Georgia would be its next target.
These figures highlight a stark contrast between the government’s rhetoric and the public’s perception of Ukraine’s struggle. Many Georgians see Ukraine’s resistance as a model for their own country, which has been grappling with Russian influence since Moscow’s invasion of Georgian territory in 2008.
Maidan: A Revolution, Not Destruction
The Maidan protests, also known as the Revolution of Dignity, were a response to Yanukovych’s pivot away from the European Union toward Russia. Far from leading to Ukraine’s destruction, the uprising resulted in two democratic presidential elections and a government committed to EU integration.
While it is true that Ukraine has faced immense challenges—most notably Russia’s military aggression—these difficulties stem from external forces rather than internal democratic movements. To suggest otherwise, as Papuashvili did, is to ignore both historical context and the ongoing war that has devastated Ukraine’s infrastructure and economy.
Political Motives Behind the Narrative
Papuashvili’s statement aligns with the Georgian Dream party’s broader strategy of maintaining a delicate balance between the West and Russia. The ruling party has frequently attempted to downplay anti-Russian sentiment, even as the country remains partially occupied by Russian forces.
Critics argue that such rhetoric is designed to dissuade Georgians from supporting their own pro-democracy movements. By portraying Maidan as a disaster rather than a successful revolution, the government can discourage similar protests in Georgia and maintain its grip on power.
A Nation at a Crossroads
Georgia’s future remains uncertain. With European Union accession talks postponed until 2028 and continued pressure from Russia, the country faces a pivotal moment. The public’s unwavering support for Ukraine suggests that the government’s messaging may not hold up much longer.
As protests continue and calls for new elections grow louder, the ruling party’s stance on Ukraine may become a major political liability. Whether Papuashvili’s remarks were a miscalculation or a deliberate attempt to shift the narrative, the backlash they have received shows that many Georgians are unwilling to accept distortions of their country’s pro-Ukraine stance.
