Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has proclaimed victory in what he referred to as a “battle” against the nation’s pro-Western opposition, which he alleged is advocating for “liberal fascism”.
The nation has been in upheaval since the ruling Georgian Dream party announced its controversial election win in October.
Tens of thousands of citizens had taken to the streets of the capital, Tbilisi, to demonstrate against the purported electoral fraud.
Protests intensified after Mr. Kobakhidze’s unexpected declaration last week that his administration would postpone accession talks with the European Union until 2028.
The party has held power for more than a decade and has faced accusations of fostering authoritarianism and increasing Russian influence in the country’s affairs.
The number of attendees at the protests has dwindled in recent nights.
Police have arrested demonstrators while utilizing tear gas and water cannons.
However, with fewer individuals participating in the protests over the past two nights and no altercations with riot police, Mr. Kobakhidze praised his security forces for “successfully neutralizing the protesters’ capacity for violence”.
“We have won a significant battle against liberal fascism in our nation,” he stated at a news conference, echoing the Kremlin’s rhetoric toward political adversaries.
“Nevertheless, the struggle is not finished. Liberal fascism in Georgia must be completely defeated, and efforts toward this goal will persist,” Mr. Kobakhidze remarked.
He also reiterated his prior warning to “complete the process of neutralizing the radical opposition”.
Anticipated escalation
Irakli Kobakhidze praised the security forces, whom he claimed are ‘inexhaustible’.
As demonstrators prepare to take to the streets for a ninth consecutive night and with both parties dismissing the possibility of compromise, a clear solution to the crisis appears elusive.
Masked police conducted raids on several opposition party offices and apprehended opposition leaders earlier this week, with around 300 individuals detained at rallies.
The situation is expected to escalate further on December 14, when Georgian Dream lawmakers plan to elect a loyalist to succeed the pro-Western President Salome Zurabishvili.
Ms. Zurabishvili has branded Georgia’s newly elected parliament and government as “illegitimate” and stated she would not resign until a re-run of the parliamentary election takes place.
While some pro-EU protestors expressed concern that the movement might be losing momentum, most attendees at Thursday night’s rally remained optimistic.
Ucha, a 42-year-old doctor who provided only his first name, mentioned that he had not seen his children in a week, having participated in protests every day after work.
“Of course we are a bit fatigued,” he said. “We need a little rest, and then we will return once more.”
Irakli Kobakhidze is facing criticism for the security measures, including from the US.
Thousands have continuously participated in anti-government demonstrations in the second city of Batumi along the Black Sea coast, with local media reporting protests in various locations across the country, including the western cities of Zugdidi and Kutaisi.
Allegations of torture
Several ambassadors, a deputy foreign minister, and other officials have resigned in protest against the decision to suspend EU accession talks.
Georgia Dream has introduced several controversial pieces of legislation in recent years that target civil society, independent media, and the LGBT community.
Brussels has cautioned that such policies are inconsistent with EU membership, while domestic critics claim the government is mirroring Russia’s tactics.
The United States is among the Western nations that have condemned the latest crackdown on protests, threatening further sanctions against the country’s leaders.
Rights ombudsman Levan Ioseliani accused the police earlier this week of “torture” against those who were arrested.
He reported that 191 detained protesters had claimed mistreatment while in custody, with 138 displaying visible injuries.
