Georgia's Ruling Party Vows to Prevent 'Ukraine-Style' Scenario Amid Ongoing Protests

Photo: Euronews

Kakha Kaladze, the secretary-general of the ruling Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia party and mayor of Tbilisi, vowed that Georgian authorities would not allow a "Ukraine-style" coup or any efforts to use the country for foreign interests.

"Of course, we will not give anyone an opportunity to stage a coup and revolution in the country, to antagonize people, or to deepen polarization. We will not give an opportunity to anyone, either outside or inside the country, to use Georgia in the interests of a foreign nation. We will not allow an opportunity for a Ukrainianization," he told journalists, The Caspian Post reports, citing TASS.

According to the official, the Georgian authorities will preserve peace, economic development and enter the EU with honor. Referring to protests that have been taking place in Tbilisi for the past few days, he described them as well-organized, well-planned and supported by certain groups of people.

"It was very hard to watch what was happening in the capital in recent days. The society saw the harshest footage of how the protesters behaved. Of course, I don't mean all of them, but there were clearly trained groups that attacked the police officers standing there," he said.

A new wave of protests began in Georgia on November 28, sparked by Prime Minister Irakly Kobakhidze’s statement that the ruling party, Georgian Dream — Democratic Georgia, had decided to postpone any discussion about the country joining the European Union until the end of 2028 and to refuse any funding from the EU. He said that the decision was driven by constant EU attempts at blackmail regarding the start of the accession dialogue, demands to cancel some laws and calls to sanction Georgian officials.