Georgia’s Prime Minister Escalates Feud with Opposition, Vows to “Eradicate” Liberal Fascism

Tbilisi in Turmoil

Tbilisi has been rocked by turmoil since the governing Georgian Dream party, which critics accuse of creeping authoritarianism and of leading the country back into Russia’s orbit, claimed victory in a disputed election in October. The government said last Thursday that it would suspend EU membership talks until 2028, sparking uproar and a fresh wave of demonstrations that have been met with a heavy-handed response from authorities.

Prime Minister’s Vow

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has refused to back down in the face of international condemnation, instead escalating a feud with pro-EU opposition groups that are demanding a rerun of the elections. “We will do everything necessary to completely eradicate liberal fascism in Georgia,” he told reporters on Thursday. “This process has already begun. These recent developments mark the start of the end of liberal fascism in Georgia,” he said, using language reminiscent of that used by the Kremlin in Russia to target its political opponents.

Unjustified Violence

Around 300 people have been detained and dozens injured, including protestors and police, in clashes outside the parliament building in central Tbilisi over the last week. Several demonstrators, including journalists, have needed hospital treatment after being detained and, they allege, beaten by the security forces. Rights ombudsman Levan Ioseliani has accused the police of using “torture” against those detained at rallies.

Russian Turn

Critics of the government are enraged by what they call its betrayal of Georgia’s bid for EU membership, which is enshrined in its constitution and supported by around 80% of the population. Several ambassadors and a deputy foreign minister resigned over the decision to suspend EU accession talks for four years. Galvanising the protest movement, a senior interior ministry official tasked with responding to the protests also quit on Wednesday, posting his resignation letter on social media accompanied by Georgian and European flag emojis.

International Condemnation

The US is among those that have denounced Georgia’s forceful crackdown, threatening additional sanctions against the country’s leaders. “The US strongly condemns the Georgian Dream party’s brutal and unjustified violence against Georgian citizens, protesters, members of the media, and opposition figures,” US secretary of state Antony Blinken said in a statement. Kobakhidze on Thursday rejected Blinken’s statements and said Tbilisi was hoping for better relations with Washington after Donald Trump comes to power in January.

Conclusion

The situation in Georgia remains volatile, with tensions between the government and opposition groups showing no signs of abating. The prime minister’s vow to “eradicate” liberal fascism has been met with widespread condemnation, both domestically and internationally. The government’s decision to suspend EU membership talks has also sparked outrage, with many accusing it of betraying Georgia’s bid for EU membership.

FAQs

Q: What is the current situation in Georgia?
A: Tbilisi is in turmoil, with protests and clashes between government forces and opposition groups continuing.

Q: What is the government’s stance on EU membership talks?
A: The government has suspended EU membership talks until 2028, sparking widespread outrage and condemnation.

Q: What is the US’s stance on the situation in Georgia?
A: The US has condemned Georgia’s forceful crackdown and threatened additional sanctions against the country’s leaders.

Q: What is the situation with opposition leaders?
A: Several opposition leaders, including Nika Gvaramia, have been arrested and beaten by security forces.