Georgian PM Backs Kavelashvili’s Presidency, Slams Planned Protests Ahead of Inauguration

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze expressed confidence on Friday that President-elect Mikheil Kavelashvili would "fulfill his presidential duties with great dignity" over the next five years.

His remarks came ahead of Sunday's inauguration, during which Kavelashvili will formally assume office, The Caspian Post reports, citing Georgian media.

Kobakhidze also addressed protests planned in parallel with the inauguration ceremony, planned to be held in the Parliament, and noted “exactly the same rally” was organised by “then radical opposition” for the President Salome Zourabichvili’s inauguration six years ago, adding she was now organising rallies with these individuals.

Kobakhidze criticised the organisers of the rallies, by stating they were putting themselves in a “ridiculous situation”, adding Zourabichvili was in the “most ridiculous situation” as well as the entire “radical opposition”.

He dismissed the protests, stating that six years ago, despite the rallies at Zourabichvili’s inauguration the ceremony had proceeded as usual, noting the “same will happen this time”.