Georgian parliament speaker accuses president Zourabichvili, opposition of plotting "Maidan"-like scenario

Georgian Parliament speaker Shalva Papashvili said Salome Zourabichvili and her radical opposition allies, acting on foreign instructions, are trying to introduce extremism and create a "Maidan"-like scenario in Georgia, which cannot succeed.

Papashvili's comments came in response to statements from opposition representatives, who claimed that if Zourabichvili does not leave the presidential residence (Orbeliani Palace in central Tbilisi) after the inauguration of Mikhail Kavelashvili, they would physically defend her, Caliber.Az, citing Georgian media.

Zourabichvili, whose presidential term ends on December 29, refuses to vacate the presidential residence, asserting that until the country undergoes a change of leadership through new parliamentary elections, she remains the only legitimate representative of the government.

"Salome Zourabichvili and the radical opposition speak, while Georgia moves forward... This is part of introducing extremism into Georgian society, and we see this excessively. This process is being managed from abroad, which we also observe," Papashvili stated.

To recap, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has demanded that President Salome Zourabichvili leave office by December 29, as protests against the government continue across the country. Speaking at a press briefing in Tbilisi on Sunday, Kobakhidze warned that Zourabichvili would face legal consequences if she refused to step down, suggesting she may face imprisonment or exile.

The remarks follow Zourabichvili’s repeated calls for new elections and her offer to engage in discussions with Bidzina Ivanishvili, honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former footballer, is set to be inaugurated as the sixth president of Georgia on December 29, after winning a recent vote by an electoral college. The 53-year-old, who was the sole candidate, secured the position after a controversial election process.

Tensions have risen in Georgia following the October parliamentary elections, where the ruling Georgian Dream party secured a controversial victory, sparking allegations of fraud and Russian interference.

Kobakhidze’s decision to suspend EU accession talks until 2028 has further fuelled protests, particularly in the capital, Tbilisi.

By Aghakazim Guliyev