For three consecutive nights, pro-EU demonstrations denouncing fraud for the benefit of the ruling party, Georgian Dream, during the legislative elections at the end of October have accelerated the political crisis in Georgia which seems to be heading towards a revolution against the government in place.
The Georgian Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidzé, declared this Sunday, December 1, 2024 that President Salomé Zourabichvili would have to leave power at the end of her mandate this month despite her desire to keep her position due to lack of legitimacy, according to her, of the Parliament resulting from the legislative elections of October 26.
Pro-EU demonstrations every evening since Thursday
While the opposition was already denouncing fraud for the benefit of the ruling party, Georgian Dream, during the legislative elections at the end of October, large pro-EU demonstrations have taken place every evening since Thursday November 28, 2024 in the capital Tbilisi after the decision of government to suspend discussions on Georgia's accession to the European Union. The police dispersed them using water cannons and tear gas canisters.
Irakli Kobakhidze judged on Sunday that these demonstrators were acting on behalf of foreign countries wishing to weaken Georgia.
During a press conference, he said he understood the “emotional state” of Salomé Zourabichvili, in favor of a rapprochement with the European Union, but added: “Of course, on December 29, she will have to leave her residence and leave this building to a legitimately elected president.”
New legislative elections excluded despite the political crisis
At the same time, the Prime Minister also ruled out the organization of new legislative elections as demanded by the opposition.
“Of course not,” he replied to journalists who asked him if the government would agree to organize new legislative elections.
Salomé Zourabichvili, whose functions are essentially honorary, declared on Saturday November 30 that Parliament had no legitimacy to appoint her successor and that she would therefore remain in office at the end of her mandate.
The powers that be await the inauguration of Trump
Irakli Kobakhidze also downplayed the announcement on Saturday by the United States of the suspension of their strategic partnership with Georgia. He called it a “temporary event” and said his country would discuss with the future US administration after Donald Trump's inauguration in January.
In Moscow, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now vice-president of the Russian Security Council, denounced on Sunday an attempted revolution in Georgia with the anti-government demonstrations.
For Medvedev, Georgia is “rapidly advancing on a Ukrainian trajectory”
Georgia is “rapidly moving forward on a Ukrainian trajectory, towards a dark abyss,” he said. “Usually this kind of thing ends very badly.”
The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs declared on Friday November 29 that “France will continue to maintain strong ties with the Georgian population and support their European aspirations, which must not be betrayed.”
