On May 30, Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, described travel warnings issued by the French and Polish embassies regarding risks to Georgia as an attack on the country’s economy.

In his statement, Papuashvili argued that following failed attempts to interfere in Georgian politics, there were now efforts to damage Georgia’s economy, particularly its tourism sector, which he described as “one of the most important sectors contributing to the well-being of our people.” He stated, “It is very alarming that after unsuccessful attacks on Georgian politics, we are now witnessing attacks on the Georgian economy,” adding that such actions were direct assaults on Georgia’s national interests.
Papuashvili rejected the embassies’ claims of widespread entry refusals into Georgia, labeling them false. He provided comparative figures to support his argument, noting that in 2024–2025, Georgia denied entry to only 9 Polish citizens, while Poland refused entry to 1,250 Georgians—a figure 140 times higher. Similarly, Georgia denied entry to 16 French citizens, compared to France’s refusal of 145 Georgians—a ninefold difference.
Extending his comparison to the broader European Union, Papuashvili noted that Georgia denied entry to 184 EU citizens, while EU countries refused entry to 4,825 Georgians—a number 26 times higher. He added that during the same period, Poland expelled 249 Georgians, France expelled 280, and the EU collectively expelled 2,463 Georgian citizens.
Read More: French and Polish Embassies Warn Citizens of Entry Risks Linked to Georgian Protests