The Prime Minister of Georgia accuses the opposition of attempting a coup and promises further repression. However, he states that he is ready for dialogue and to establish relations with everyone, including the EU.
The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, accused the opposition of attempting to overthrow his government through a coup and promised to continue suppressing dissent on Sunday, just hours after the ruling party won local elections on Saturday.
Voter turnout was low, as a significant portion of the opposition boycotted the vote and organized a mass rally on election day against the government's repressive policies and what they see as Georgia's steady drift into Russia's orbit.
Tens of thousands of people participated in the protest. Some attempted to storm the Orbeliani presidential palace. Former President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili did not support these actions, stating that only the regime could stage a parody of a palace takeover to discredit the more than 300-day protest of the Georgian people. She called for the continuation of peaceful actions.
Protesters demanded Kobakhidze's resignation, a pivot towards Europe, and a political disconnection from Russia. They faced fierce resistance: police deployed OMON units, using water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd attempting to break through to the presidential palace. Five of the most active opposition politicians have been detained. They face up to 9 years in prison.
On Saturday, Kobakhidze's party, the Georgian Dream, won in all municipalities of the South Caucasian country in the local elections. Two major opposition blocs boycotted the elections, refusing to participate, considering the current government "illegitimate."
