Following the violent protests in Tbilisi, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announces a harsh campaign against dissidents and accuses the EU ambassador of interfering in his country’s internal affairs.
Political tensions in Georgia reach a new critical point. Georgia’s Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, stated that he will impose drastic measures against dissidents, following the protests erupted in Tbilisi. The official claims that the protesters who tried to enter the presidential palace were aiming for “the overthrow of the constitutional order”, accusing the European Union of direct involvement in internal tensions.
The statements came a day after the clashes during the local elections, when hundreds of protesters were stopped by the anti-riot police, who used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. According to the Georgian agency Interpress, the prime minister warned that “no one will escape responsibility – including political responsibility”.
Authorities detained at least five people, including two members of the United National Movement, the main opposition party, and Paata Burchuladze, the famous opera singer turned civic activist.
According to The Guardian, Georgia’s Ministry of Health announced that 21 security officers and six protesters were injured in the clashes.
A political conflict with European stakes
Georgia is going through a period of prolonged tensions since the parliamentary elections in 2024, won by the ruling party, Georgian Dream (GD), led by Irakli Kobakhidze. The pro-EU opposition claims that the vote was marked by fraud and, as a result, negotiations for accession to the European Union have been suspended.
During Saturday’s rally, attended by about 7,000 people, the prime minister stated that the attempt to “overthrow the constitutional order” was thwarted, although, according to him, it would have benefited from “external support”.
Kobakhidze announced the arrest of the “main organizers” and specified that the targeted opposition party will no longer be able to be politically active.
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