Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili accused some Western partners of turning a blind eye to severe abuses committed during the rule of former President Mikheil Saakashvili and his United National Movement (UNM) party.

In a social media post, Papuashvili claimed that torture, corruption, business racketeering, and media control were key tools used by Saakashvili’s regime from 2003 to 2012 — with tacit Western acceptance. He criticized the European People’s Party for continuing to support Saakashvili and the UNM.

Papuashvili also alleged that several former UNM officials now hold influential positions in Ukraine and Moldova, warning that their presence undermines genuine reforms, especially in the judicial sector.

Referring to the findings of a parliamentary investigative commission, Papuashvili emphasized its extensive work, including 44 public hearings and testimony from 139 witnesses.

He argued that post-2012, the UNM evolved into an "extremist" force seeking to destabilize the government and that the recent parliamentary decree marks a step toward closing a painful chapter and building a democracy based on sovereignty and national interest.