Georgia has emerged as a global leader in economic growth, surpassing both the European Union and its candidate countries, according to Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, who shared this assertion on social media.

Papuashvili emphasized that Georgia's continued progress is grounded in prioritizing the interests of its own citizens, rather than yielding to external pressures. He noted that Georgia’s economic performance, with a growth rate surpassed only by that of oil-rich Guyana (which reported a 43% growth), stands as a testament to the country’s resilient development trajectory. According to Papuashvili, this level of economic achievement would not have been possible had Georgia acquiesced to various external demands.

He specifically pointed to several critical instances where external pressures could have undermined the country’s stability and growth:

• Agreeing to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's request for the official dispatch of volunteers, which would have made Georgia a direct party to the ongoing conflict.
• Yielding to the then-US Ambassador’s demand for sanctions against Russia and escalating tensions, despite these demands not being publicly stated.
• Conforming to Brussels’ request for imposing sanctions on Russia, restricting the entry of Russian citizens, and banning flights.
• Heeding the calls from opposition and NGOs following the February 2022 protests, which were largely influenced by foreign-backed sources advocating for similar measures.

Papuashvili argues that had Georgia followed the advice of these external actors, it would have risked not only a devastating economic collapse, but also the potential for war. He contends that such an outcome would have been far more severe than the economic challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In conclusion, Papuashvili asserts that Georgia’s success is a direct result of prioritizing national interests, guided by the will of its people, rather than submitting to foreign agendas. He warns that aligning too closely with foreign powers, regardless of international alliances, risks undermining the country’s sovereignty and progress, potentially leading it back to a situation reminiscent of its Soviet past.