Georgian PM blames EU ambassador amid post-election unrest in Tbilisi

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has publicly held the EU Ambassador to Tbilisi, Pawel Herczynski, responsible for the violent protests that erupted near the presidential residence on October 4.

Kobakhidze accused Herczynski of “voicing support for the idea of overthrowing the constitutional order” in Georgia, and demanded that the diplomat publicly condemn the violence, Caliber.Az reports via Georgian media.

“Against this background, of course, the EU ambassador to Georgia bears special responsibility. Let him come out and firmly condemn and distance himself from what is happening on the streets of Tbilisi — this is his direct duty, given that we have clearly heard statements in support of an attempt to overthrow the constitutional order,” Kobakhidze said.

The unrest comes in the immediate aftermath of Georgia’s municipal elections on October 4, which the ruling Georgian Dream party claimed to have won decisively. According to the party and preliminary Central Election Commission data, Georgian Dream secured over 70% of votes nationwide, including in Tbilisi. Opposition parties, however, rejected the results as fraudulent, citing alleged irregularities and voter intimidation, and called on citizens to protest.

Following these calls, opposition leaders, including Murtaz Zodelava of the United National Movement and political activist Paata Burchuladze, urged citizens to demand the government’s resignation and a “peaceful transfer of power.” Protesters built makeshift barricades near the presidential palace, which they later set on fire, prompting a heavy response from law enforcement, including tear gas and water cannons. Several police officers and demonstrators were injured, and dozens were detained.

Kobakhidze also warned that anyone who attacks law enforcement will face strict consequences, referencing injuries sustained by police during the clashes.

By Vugar Khalilov