Georgian PM: Opposition’s "suicidal position" will lead to their neutralisation

The Georgian government should focus on the "neutralisation" of opposition forces in 2025, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced.

Speaking to journalists, he sharply criticized opposition parties for their actions, which he claimed undermined state institutions and democratic progress in the country, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“The year 2025 should become in Georgia the year of complete neutralisation of this political force, which is called the collective National Movement,” said Kobakhidze, referring to opposition parties collectively.

The prime minister accused the opposition of adopting a "suicidal position" through their alleged sabotage of state institutions. “By doing so, they are provoking the beginning of a process that will end with their final neutralisation,” he stated.

Kobakhidze argued that eliminating the threat posed by the opposition is critical for Georgia’s democratic system and the nation’s continued development.

Kobakhidze’s remarks come amid nearly 50 days of protests in Georgia, with demonstrators calling for the country to pursue a European future and demanding new parliamentary elections. The opposition has refused to recognize the results of the previous elections and continues to boycott parliamentary sessions.

Protests have intensified following the inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili, Georgia’s first president elected by indirect vote. Kavelashvili’s controversial early actions include signing laws banning masks and pyrotechnics at rallies, which critics claim restrict citizens' rights to protest.

Over the weekend, approximately 30 protesters were detained during pro-European demonstrations in Tbilisi and Batumi.

The escalating situation has drawn international concern. The Baltic States, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Finland have urged Georgian authorities to cease violence against protesters and consider holding new elections.

Germany, Poland, and France have also called on the Georgian government to engage in "sincere dialogue" with opposition forces and civil society.

By Tamilla Hasanova