Opposition launching “rallies to overthrow” Gov’t while EU calls for end of polarisation - PM

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Friday accused the domestic opposition of “launching rallies to overthrow the Government” while the European Union was calling for an end to polarisation in the country’s political field.

In comments at a press briefing, Garibashvili cited reduction of domestic political polarisation as one of the conditions outlined by the European Commission for granting Georgia the European Union membership candidate status. 

Europe's first recommendation was, and is, to end the polarisation - and in the meanwhile, the [Georgian] opposition is launching rallies to overthrow the Government. We have not seen any desire or real action on the part of the opposition to end the polarisation”, Garibashvili said. 

The head of the Government reiterated the “willingness” of his Government for a “constructive” dialogue for the outcome.

It [dialogue] should take place in a normal, calm, constructive and healthy environment. This is our wish and I hope our opponents will take this responsibility and share it. [...] As for ending the polarisation, it is their obligation and responsibility, too. The ruling party and the Government alone can not do that, if no real steps are taken by [the opposition]”, he noted.