Yesterday afternoon, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze reassured the public that Georgia would “stubbornly continue on its European Union integration path despite artificial obstacles,” in response to mounting protests over the government’s decision to suspend EU accession talks until 2028. Kobakhidze vowed that “no one will undermine peace and stability in Georgia,” as protests continue to grow in Tbilisi and other cities across the country.
Kobakhidze’s comments came as demonstrators gathered near the Georgian Parliament for a third night, and in other areas and cities nationwide, voicing opposition to the government’s recent decision, which many view as a setback for Georgia’s European aspirations.
“It is alarming that, so far, we have not heard a single call from [any] foreign entity urging peaceful expression of protests. On the contrary, some […] even describe violent demonstrations as peaceful protests,” the PM stated, expressing concern over the international response. He further criticized foreign actors, claiming that they were encouraging unrest by failing to condemn violence and instead promoting “anti-European sentiments in Georgian society.”
The Prime Minister also accused foreign entities of supporting a “Maidan-inspired scenario,” referring to the 2013-2014 protests in Ukraine that led to the Maidan Revolution. He specifically cited the opposition United National Movement party, alleging they were seeking to incite violence and unrest in Georgia, akin to Ukraine’s political turmoil. “By doing so, they not only fail to condemn or distance themselves from violence but incite it,” he added.
Kobakhidze emphasized Georgia’s strong institutions and the country’s unwavering commitment to European integration, despite the external pressures and “continuous attempts to drag Georgia into war.” He reminded the public that Georgia had successfully avoided “Ukrainization,” referring to efforts to destabilize the country, particularly after the 2020 parliamentary elections and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. “Despite two foreign-funded revolutionary attempts, we have saved our country from Ukrainization and maintained peace,” he concluded.
