Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused protesters attempting to enter the presidential palace of trying to overthrow the government, and he claimed that the European Union was interfering in Georgia’s internal affairs. Riot police used pepper spray and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators during a large opposition rally coinciding with local elections, leading to the arrest of five activists. Kobakhidze reported that around 7,000 people participated in the protest but stated their efforts to disrupt the government had failed. He emphasized that those responsible would face consequences, including political accountability.
Kobakhidze criticized EU Ambassador Paweł Herczynski, calling on him to condemn the protests and claiming that foreign individuals expressed support for the attempts to undermine the government. The EU has not responded directly to these remarks but previously denied accusations of trying to destabilize Georgia, labeling such claims as disinformation. The ruling Georgian Dream party announced winning every municipality in the recent elections, which were boycotted by the two largest opposition parties. Pro-Western opposition protests have continued since last year’s parliamentary elections, which critics allege were fraudulent. Georgia’s relations with the West have deteriorated since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Facing Street Protests, Georgian Leader Claims Foreign-Backed Plot to Oust Him
Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze accused protesters attempting to enter the presidential palace of trying to overthrow the government, and he claimed that the EU was interfering in Georgia's internal affairs.
