But on second thought, after I decreed the state of emergency, I

Yes — that quote is correctly attributed to Eduard Shevardnadze, the former President of Georgia and Soviet foreign minister, known for his role in the end of the Cold War and in Georgia's transition after independence from the Soviet Union.

“But on second thought, after I decreed the state of emergency, I came to the conclusion that that was impossible to achieve without bloodshed because the street protesters were full of anger and nearly out of control. This is why I thought we needed to find another way out.”
— Eduard Shevardnadze

Context and Background

This quote refers to Shevardnadze’s role during the political turmoil in Georgia in the early 1990s, particularly around the time of the 1991 Soviet coup attempt and later protests in Georgia. After declaring a state of emergency, Shevardnadze recognized the potential for violence between the government forces and the angry protesters, leading him to reconsider the approach to resolving the crisis. Shevardnadze was deeply involved in navigating the complex political landscape of Georgia as it transitioned from Soviet rule. He had to balance the need for order with the desire to avoid unnecessary conflict and bloodshed.

Interpretation

• “Decreed the state of emergency” — Shevardnadze made a formal declaration of emergency powers in response to growing unrest and protests.

• “Impossible to achieve without bloodshed” — recognizing that confrontation with angry protesters might lead to violent clashes and loss of life.

• “Needed to find another way out” — reflects his realization that violence would only escalate the situation, and that alternative diplomatic or nonviolent methods were necessary to resolve the crisis.

Summary

Eduard Shevardnadze’s quote speaks to the difficult decisions that leaders face in times of political unrest. In the heat of a crisis, his shift from a position of enforcing order through force to seeking a peaceful resolution highlights the importance of critical reflection and empathy in leadership, especially when facing the risk of unnecessary conflict. The quote underscores the importance of finding alternative solutions in order to avoid bloodshed and maintain peace.