Georgian PM warns of opposition's “focus” on post-election “provocations”

Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday claimed the “primary focus” of the “radical wing” of the domestic opposition was not on the day of the October 26 general election, but on “stirring post-election provocations”. 
Speaking to the Ajara Public Broadcaster, the official alleged while the opposition “lacks the resources to organise a revolution”, any such attempt would be met with the “full force of the state”.

The main focus of the opposition is the day after the elections, not the day of the elections, although they have no resources here either. The law enforcement agencies are strong, and any attempt to break into the Parliament, break into other institutions, organise a revolution, will be opposed by the strength of the state”, the PM pledged. 

Kobakhidze further alleged the opposition parties were “aware of their low public approval” data, which reflected their “declining popularity”. 

They do not go to the villages, they do not campaign, they do not go to the districts of the cities”, the PM claimed, adding “only the ruling Georgian Dream party is actively engaged in campaigning.” 

In his comments, the PM also addressed the recent failure of the Strong Georgia opposition coalition and the For Georgia opposition party to form a unity for the forthcoming vote. 

[Giorgi] Gakharia [the founder of the For Georgia party] and [Mamuka] Khazaradze [the leader of the Lelo opposition from the Strong Georgia coalition] could not unite due to internal problems, otherwise they actually do what they are instructed to do [from abroad]”, he said. 

The PM also urged the public to “remember crimes committed” by the previous ruling United National Movement party before their defeat by the GD coalition in 2012, claiming the reminders by the current authorities were “essential for the public, particularly the youth, to make informed decisions in the upcoming elections”.

The crimes of the UNM were business racketeering, hijacking of TV stations, torture of people, murder. A system of direct torture was created in the prisons, which was officially confirmed by the European Court of Human Rights”, the Head of the Government said. 

Kobakhidze also drew connections between UNM members and other political figures such as Khazaradze, citing their alleged business dealings during the previous Government and accusing them of collaborating with the “authoritarian regime” of the party in "dark affairs”.