Speaker Archil Talakvadze: “No country wants to see its Parliament and constitutional bodies being attacked by people”

By Inga Kakulia

Tuesday, September 10

The Tbilisi International Conference builds on its reputation as a must-attend event for leaders across Georgia, the United States and Europe.

“It is our political and constitutional responsibility to make sure changes don’t happen in a violent way,” said Archil Talakvadze.

The McCain Institute and the Economic Policy Research Center (EPRC) on September 9-10 are currently hosting their international conference in Tbilisi, Georgia. The theme of the conference this time is “Now What”.

As the Ambassador of the United States in Georgia, Kurt Volker pointed out “As 2019 unfolds and 2020 approaches there is simply so much in the balance. This conference convenes the key thought leaders and decision-makers in a way that breaks through the swirl of issues and competing agendas in the style and ethos of Senator John McCain.”

The Chairman of the Parliament Archil Talakvadze spoke during the conference and addressed the events of this summer as well as the state of democracy in Georgia.

“The culture of political discussions fosters democracy, democracy is not born, democracy is built,” said Talakvadze.

According to the chairman, the government guarantees every peaceful protest that is held in accordance with the law on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and manifestation, whether small or large.

“As Speaker of Parliament, I am here and together with my counterparts I seek to strengthen Georgia's democracy. I believe that in a democracy based on the will of the population everything is possible. I believe in what is possible. I think Georgia's way to democracy, Georgia's decision to build a strong democracy is the only right way forward for this country's future development. Democracy is not born, democracy is built. John McCain has fought throughout his life to build democracy. We had the privilege of hosting his family and his institution here in Tbilisi.

Talakvadze touched on the subject of occupied territories, as well as the threat it poses to our democracy and development.

“Those of you who have been on the occupation line, I think you have clearly seen that Georgia's democracy remains in jeopardy. For our country, the nation's daily challenge is to resist this reality. At the same time, maintaining the path of development, strengthening democracy, integrating our economy with the global economy, joining the European and Euro-Atlantic structures. In this respect, it is very remarkable how firmly we are determined to strengthen our democracy,” said Talakvadze.

According to the Speaker of Parliament, no democratic country in the world wants to see its parliament, constitutional institutions attacked by people. According to Talakvadze, changes in the country are possible only through ballot boxes and elections, political debates, democratic platforms, and instruments.

When speaking about the events of June, Chairman expressed his sadness for all the injuries that occurred during the clash.

“It is tragic to me that our citizens, youth, journalists and police officers were injured during these demonstrations. Our primary concern and goal remain medical care and rehabilitation for these people,” said Talakvadze.