Tbilisi – On Sunday, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused protesters of attempting to overthrow the government during violent demonstrations that aimed to storm the presidential palace, asserting that the European Union has meddled in Georgian politics, reports 24brussels.
A day prior, just before polls closed, a significant group of demonstrators sought to breach the presidential palace in the capital, Tbilisi. This followed the deployment of riot police who utilized pepper spray and water cannons to disperse demonstrators gathered during local elections, resulting in the detention of five activists.
Kobakhidze claimed that approximately 7,000 individuals participated in the rally, yet he stated that their “attempt to overthrow the constitutional order” had ultimately failed, despite their alleged backing from Brussels.
“They moved to action, began the overthrow attempt, it failed, and then they started distancing themselves from it,”
he remarked.
“No one will escape responsibility. This includes political responsibility.”
Why is Prime Minister Kobakhidze accusing the EU of meddling?
Kobakhidze specifically targeted EU Ambassador Paweł Herczynski, alleging interference in Georgian politics and urging him to denounce the protests. “You know that specific people from abroad have even expressed direct support for all this, for the announced attempt to overthrow the constitutional order,” said Kobakhidze.
“In this context, the European Union ambassador to Georgia bears special responsibility. He should come out, distance himself and strictly condemn everything that is happening on the streets of Tbilisi.”
How has the EU reacted to Georgia’s accusations?
The EU’s diplomatic service responded in July, dismissing the allegations from Georgian authorities as “disinformation and baseless accusations” regarding the EU’s involvement in Georgia. The service stated, “Recent statements falsely claiming that the EU seeks to destabilise Georgia, drag it into war or impose so-called ‘non-traditional values’ constitute a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.”
What triggered the attempted storming of Georgia’s palace?
The unrest stems from ongoing protests organized by Georgia’s pro-Western opposition since last October, which followed what they claim was a fraudulent victory by the Georgian Dream party in parliamentary elections.
On Saturday, the ruling Georgian Dream party declared its success in securing victories in all municipalities across the nation, home to 3.7 million residents, despite boycotts by the two largest opposition coalitions.
As polls neared closure, protesters attempted to breach the presidential palace amid calls for a “peaceful revolution” against the Georgian Dream party, which they accuse of being pro-Russian and authoritarian.
A smaller faction of demonstrators approached the palace but faced resistance from the police, who repelled their advance. Some protesters subsequently blocked a nearby street, igniting fires and clashing with riot police.