The former Prime Minister and Chairman of the "For Georgia" party, Giorgi Gakharia, stated during a briefing that the actions of "Georgian Dream," which he described as being caught in an unconstitutional spiral, constitute a blatant betrayal of state interests. He referred to the events of November 28 as a dark chapter in Georgia's recent history.
News
Trending stories
- 1 Protests Erupt in Abkhazia Over Russia-Favored Law, Opposition Members Arrested
- 2 Marauding Kadyrovites Among Masked Raiders in Tbilisi - Editor's Column
- 3 President’s Lawsuit on Elections Registered by Constitutional Court
- 4 Gakharia Urges Ambassadors Not to Attend Parliament's First Session
- 5 Chorchana Checkpoint, Drones, and Cigarette Smuggling Discussed During the Meeting in Ergneti
- 6 Investigation Launched into Obstruction of Journalists at Rallies
"Yesterday, to our misfortune, will unfortunately remain a black spot in Georgia's recent history. It was a declared, collective betrayal of the state's interests, carried out live under the orders of Ivanishvili by the illegally elected Prime Minister, who effectively announced that with the decision of the Dream, they are halting the country's European integration," said Giorgi Gakharia. He emphasized that the main goal of the struggle is to reschedule the country's elections and ensure a return to the European path.
Gakharia views systemic protests across the country as the only viable method of resistance, one that would garner support from Western partners. He urged the West not to recognize the legitimacy of the Georgian Dream government and to impose targeted sanctions, not on the people, but on specific individuals responsible for the country's democratic decline.
"I want to make a heartfelt appeal to every citizen of Georgia: I urge all of you, wherever you are and in any way you can, to peacefully express your protest. Let this protest be widespread, consistent, and visible across the entire country…
We also call on Georgia's Western partners to stand with the Georgian people and to refuse to legitimize rigged elections or illegally appointed high-ranking political officials. We urge them to use every tool at their disposal, including targeted sanctions - not against the Georgian people, such as suspending the visa-free regime - but specifically against those responsible for election fraud, corruption, democratic backsliding, and, most importantly, violence against Georgian citizens who took to the streets of Tbilisi to defend the democratic future of our country,” said Giorgi Gakharia
He expressed his support for the journalists, activists, and citizens who were severely beaten during the events.
On November 28, Georgian Dream announced its decision that until the end of 2028, Georgia would not prioritize opening negotiations on joining the European Union and would refuse budgetary grants from the EU. Protests erupted in Tbilisi and other regions in response to this decision. The Ministry of Internal Affairs dispersed demonstrators gathered near the Parliament in the capital, using pepper spray, tear gas, and water cannons mixed with chemical irritants. As per an assessment by the Public Defender, the Ministry of Internal Affairs violated the freedom of assembly, as the demonstration was peaceful when forceful dispersal measures were employed. Approximately 40 members of the media were injured during the crackdown, and 43 individuals were arrested by the police.