Georgian PM forecasts positive developments in relations with West

Relations between Georgia and the West are expected to begin improving in the first quarter of 2025, according to Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. 

In an interview with Georgian television, Kobakhidze expressed optimism about the future of these ties, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

“Regarding a substantial reset of relations with the West, I believe everything will start from the first quarter of next year,” he stated.

Kobakhidze also remarked that he expects the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to conclude soon, which he believes will shift the interests of Western countries.

Addressing concerns about the recent parliamentary elections in Georgia, Kobakhidze dismissed claims of significant violations.

“In reality, there are no facts indicating that there is any discussion of falsification, nor that any serious violations could have been established during these elections,” he asserted.

While earlier announcements indicated a potential boycott from the Georgian opposition, it seems that they will still be represented in the new parliament.

Kobakhidze remarked, “I am confident they will enter parliament faster than one can imagine,” suggesting that the opposition parties may lack the resources to sustain their boycott.

Consequently, he added that the issue of ignoring the elected parliament has lost its relevance.

Notably, on October 28, a rally organised  by Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili against the recent parliamentary election results in Tbilisi. The gathering took place outside the Georgian parliament, where crowds waved Georgian and EU flags. Protest ended without incident.

Thus, preliminary results from 99% of polling stations indicated that the ruling Georgian Dream party secured 54.2% of the vote. In response, Zourabichvili accused the authorities of election rigging and urged citizens to protest in Tbilisi.

In contrast, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze reassured the public that the opposition would not impede the new parliament's functioning.

By Aghakazim Guliyev