Georgian PM claims “destroyed opposition” “won’t hinder” new President’s inauguration

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday referred to domestic opposition forces as “fully destroyed”, and claimed they would be “unable to hinder” the inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili as the country’s sixth President on December 29, following his election last week. 

The inauguration will take place, and Mr. Kavelashvili will take office. Parliamentary work will continue, and the Government will continue implementing its programme. This process will proceed even after December 29”, he pledged.

The official further claimed the opposition’s resources had been “exhausted” amid ongoing protests against the Government's decision last month to postpone European Union accession talks until 2028. 

The main thing is that we have depleted their resources. Violent tactics and other efforts have been exhausted, meaning they will not be able to disrupt the democratic process”, the PM alleged. 

Speaking about incumbent President Salome Zourabichvili, the PM claimed she was in a “difficult emotional state”, adding “I have never seen someone cling to their chair so desperately. Her criticisms are absurd”. 

Zourabichvili and the opposition claim the GD has “rigged” the October 26 general elections, and describe the current legislative body and the President-elect as “illegitimate”, demanding a rerun of the vote.