PM Garibashvili: “radical opposition” seeking own interest in Russia-Ukraine war discourse

The “radical” section of political opposition in Georgia is seeking to serve its own interest in the local discourse around Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said on Monday while responding to “misinformation and pointless campaigns” in the country about the government’s positions on the conflict.

In comments about his team’s decision not to join the international sanctions on Russia, as well as other questions stemming from criticisms directed toward the government around the issue of the ongoing war, the PM said the “destructive opposition tries to play on the noble feelings of the citizens [and] manipulate and mislead” citizens. 

• Georgian PM: Russia’s military operations in Ukraine unacceptable and contrary to international law

Making the comments at the weekly government meeting, Garibashvili said it was “very unfortunate that our radical opposition seeks its self-interest” of scoring political points through the criticism of the government’s response to the conflict. The condemnations have been focused on questions including the government’s decision not to join the sanctions, which the PM explained as an effort to avoid harm to economic circumstances of Georgian citizens.

I understand that the situation is very difficult everywhere, but we need strength, unity, a calm population, [to act] with a cool head [and] in accordance with the national interests,” the government head said in explaining his team’s approach to the matter.

• Georgian PM: 2008 war could have been avoided according to Condoleezza Rice and other American partners

In further comments that made references to policies and actions of the United National Movement government - now the leading opposition force - during the 2008 Russian-Georgian war, Garibashvili brought up examples of the UNM selling strategic assets to Russian state-owned companies following the conflict that saw occupation of 20 percent of Georgia’s internationally recognised territory by Russian troops.

Water companies, hydroelectric power stations, energy infrastructure and “almost all strategic facilities” were sold to Russian companies following the five-day war, the PM said, adding former president Mikheil Saakashvili’s government had also signed Russia's membership in the World Trade Organisation to achieve the opening of the Russian market.

• PM calls on the international community to do everything possible to stop hostilities in Ukraine

In addition, since they failed to open the market, Saakashvili issued a decree in 2012 unilaterally opening a visa-free regime for Russian citizens in February 2012, at a time when [UNM’s] anti-Russian rhetoric was raging here,” Garibashvili commented.

He also recalled a meeting of the Security Council on August 9, 2008 - a day after the breakout of the war - during which “[while] Georgian heroes were killed on the battlefield, [...] members of the government, led by Saakashvili, were making jokes”.

The head of the government also highlighted the post-2012 Georgian Dream government was “the only exception when the country has not had a war and has [enjoyed] lasting peace and stability.”