Georgia's PM dismisses opposition's ability to escalate tensions

Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze believes the opposition lacks the resources to escalate the situation in the country again.

“There is no chance [of escalation]. The most important thing is that the violent resource of approximately 500 people has been neutralized," Kobakhidze said, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The Prime Minister added that "when there is no capacity for violence and people are not taking to the streets for protests, in such a situation the opposition has no chance of escalating the situation."

He also suggested that in February, when the spring session of Parliament begins, the opposition will end its boycott and join the legislative body’s work.

“At the very first session, we could see the hall full. Otherwise, they [the opposition] will simply commit political suicide,” said Kobakhidze.  

To recap, as protests in Georgia near their one-month anniversary, citizens across the country continue to call for significant political changes, including fresh parliamentary elections and the release of those arrested during the demonstrations.

The unrest began on November 28 after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that Georgia’s European Union accession bid would be postponed until 2028. Since then, large groups of people have been marching during the day and holding nightly vigils in solidarity.

The political situation in Georgia remains highly charged, with divisions intensifying. President Salome Zourabichvili, opposition parties, and the protesters themselves have all vowed not to back down, indicating that the struggle for political change is far from over.

By Aghakazim Guliyev