Georgian PM rules out talks with opposition amid protests

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has dismissed the possibility of holding talks with the opposition, citing the current political situation in the country.

When asked about the possibility of negotiations during a press conference, Kobakhidze firmly replied, "No, of course not. There will be no negotiations," Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

Irakli Kobakhidze cited recent provocations, highlighting two specific incidents. He reported that on the previous day, unidentified individuals attempted to set fire to the Georgian Dream office in Kutaisi. On December 2, stones were thrown at another party office in Zestafoni, injuring one of its employees.

The comments came in the wake of a new wave of protests that erupted in Georgia on November 28. The protests were triggered by a statement from the Prime Minister, in which he announced that the ruling Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia party had decided not to prioritize negotiations for European Union accession until at least 2028. Additionally, the party declared its intention to reject all budgetary grants from the EU.

According to the Georgian Interior Ministry, 224 protesters were arrested over a four-day period, with three facing criminal investigations. Forty-four individuals, including both protesters and police officers, were hospitalized. Security forces deployed water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds. In retaliation, protesters erected barricades and set fire to garbage bins.

By Vafa Guliyeva