Georgian PM says public opinion shows opposition “completely destroyed”

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday said the current state of Georgia's opposition, which he described as "absolutely destroyed", was a direct reflection of the Georgian public's attitude toward political processes and actors.

Responding to a question regarding a resolution adopted by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the head of Government emphasised that despite evaluations from foreign bureaucrats, the paramount factor was the situation within the country, which the Georgian public understands best.

“We are accustomed to events unfolding in a similar fashion; there are often polemics, debates, various opinions, including critical remarks. For us, what truly matters is what is happening in our country, and the Georgian society sees this best. The reaction of the Georgian society is paramount. Today, everyone sees the Georgian society's attitude toward political processes and political entities. The expression of society's attitude is that the opposition is absolutely destroyed”, the PM said.

Kobakhidze further attributed the opposition's decline to a loss of public support.

“Today, everyone can see the attitude of the Georgian public toward political processes and political actors. The public’s attitude is clearly reflected in the fact that the opposition is absolutely devastated. The main reason the opposition destroyed itself is that it lost even the support it once had from the public. This is, in fact, the key assessment being made by society”, he noted.

Kobakhidze further added that the reality was that a democratic system has been established in the country.

“Some people wanted to create harsh opposition to this democratic system, but the state rose to the occasion and responded to all challenges. There were externally driven processes - four attempts at revolution over the past four years - all externally orchestrated. However, the public rose to the occasion and defended the country's independence and sovereignty”, he concluded.