PM Kobakhidze: Opposition aims to turn Georgia into Ukraine

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has claimed that the organizers of protests against the draft law "On Transparency of Foreign Influence" aim to lead Georgia down the same path as Ukraine, a scenario the Georgian government is determined to prevent.

Caliber.Az echoes reports in Georgian media that Kobakhidze made these remarks during a government meeting, highlighting the ongoing protests in Tbilisi since April 15. These demonstrations, opposing the controversial law, have frequently escalated into clashes with the police, who have responded with pepper spray, tear gas, and water cannons. The opposition, NGOs, activists, and Western entities have all criticized the law.

Kobakhidze pointed out that a protest leader recently expressed envy for Ukraine, which he interpreted as a desire to "Ukrainianize" Georgia, or have Georgia share Ukraine's fate amid its conflict with Russia. This, he asserted, is a goal the government will not permit.

Following the onset of the conflict, the Georgian government faced criticism from the opposition and officials in Kyiv, initially for refusing to send organized volunteers to Ukraine, which they argued would drag Georgia into the conflict. Later, accusations arose that Georgia was aiding Russia in circumventing sanctions.

Kobakhidze emphasized the devastating impact of the conflict on Ukraine, citing a 30% economic decline in the first year, widespread infrastructure destruction, and increased Russian territorial control. He contrasted this with the corruption and erosion of democracy in Ukraine, suggesting that some Georgian opposition figures envy this chaos and wish it upon Georgia.

He concluded by reaffirming the government's commitment to maintaining peace as a prerequisite for progress and development, vowing to thwart any attempts to destabilize Georgia.