Georgian FM claims “Maidan scenario” regarding Georgia “was not only discussed, but actively prepared”

Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili on Tuesday strongly criticised what she described as “unacceptable interference” in Georgia’s internal political affairs.

Botchorishvili’s remarks came in response to a declaration by the Bureau of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, which urged the Georgian Government to ensure free and fair repeat elections at the national level and to postpone local elections.

The Minister expressed concerns over the approach taken by the Council of Europe, arguing that it unfairly presented the opposition as speaking on behalf of the entire Georgian people while simultaneously claiming that the opposition was unprepared to participate in elections and required more time to mobilise supporters.

She also addressed remarks made by certain foreign politicians, particularly highlighting statements from Erik Ottoson, the Chair of the Committee on European Union Affairs of the Swedish Parliament, who made a “direct call for a Maidan in Georgia” last year.

“The call from the Swedish politician, apart from interference, is yet another manifestation of the desires certain politicians have regarding Georgia. This includes creating unrest, destabilisation, and the development of various scenarios that aim to undermine the country’s constitutional order. Among these is the Maidan scenario, which was not only discussed, but actively prepared for implementation in Georgia”, the FM concluded.