Georgian PM rejects early polls, says opposition “not ready to compete”

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has dismissed calls from the opposition for early parliamentary elections, claiming that the so-called “radical opposition” is not genuinely interested in such a move due to its weakened political standing.

His remarks, delivered to journalists, come in response to ongoing demands for snap elections amid widespread political unrest, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

"When they [the opposition] talk about extraordinary parliamentary elections, in fact they themselves do not want it, because they know that they are in an absolutely disastrous position. They are already talking about it openly. It is not favourable for them," Kobakhidze stated.

His comments followed a speech by former President Salome Zourabichvili at a protest rally on Rustaveli Avenue, where she suggested holding parliamentary and municipal elections simultaneously. Zurabishvili asserted that all opposition parties were likely to participate but emphasized that parliamentary elections should take precedence.

Kobakhidze countered that the opposition's own rhetoric revealed its lack of preparedness and confidence, suggesting that their electoral prospects have deteriorated even further since the October 2024 parliamentary elections.

"This is the current state of the opposition. Based on this, it makes no difference—neither for us nor for them—whether the radical opposition will take part in the elections. Full-fledged local self-government elections will be held in Georgia, and they will be even more full-fledged if the radical opposition does not participate in them," he added.

Georgia’s local elections, including races for mayors and city council members (sakrebulo), are scheduled to be held in 64 municipalities on October 4, 2025. The official campaign period will begin 60 days prior to voting day.

Kobakhidze also criticized the opposition’s turnout at Independence Day protests on May 26, describing the event as evidence of a fractured and weakened movement. "After such organisation, after advertising campaigns, they gathered only 3,000 people on Rustaveli Avenue," he remarked, taking a jab at Zourabichvili by saying she symbolically “accepted the parade” from opposition figure Aleko Elisashvili.

Anti-government protests have been ongoing since November 28, 2024, sparked by the ruling party's decision to delay the start of EU accession negotiations until 2028. Demonstrators have accused the government of turning away from European integration and have demanded the reversal of the decision along with early parliamentary elections.

By Vafa Guliyeva