Georgia’s ruling party Sec Gen says Gov’t won't allow coup, such actions doomed to fail

Kakha Kaladze, the Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Thursday pledged that all necessary measures would be taken to preserve peace and stability in Georgia, as discussions continue over a potential suspension of the country’s visa liberalisation agreement with the European Union.

His comments were made in response to a proposed action plan drafted by the programs director of International Republican Institute - Georgia, which envisions protest rallies in September should the suspension move forward.

Kaladze stressed that political change in Georgia must occur through democratic elections, not through revolution or unrest.

“It should not come as a surprise - this is not the first attempt to stage a revolution. Such attempts, fueled by radicals acting as agents within our country, are ongoing. I believe these efforts will continue, but the Georgian government will not allow a coup d’état. We will not permit outside-controlled groups to incite bloodshed or violence. Every state institution will be ready to prevent this”, the ruling party official said.

He further added that while diverse political opinions were natural, only elections provide a legitimate path for changing government.

“If someone is dissatisfied with the authorities, the way forward is through elections, not through intimidation, violence, or attempts to forcefully overturn the situation. Such efforts are doomed to fail, as history has already shown”, he continued.

Addressing questions about a possible suspension of visa-free travel with the EU, Kaladze dismissed recent claims linking the issue to Georgia’s internal political situation.

“These demands have nothing to do with visa liberalization and are completely detached from reality. The European Commission itself has acknowledged Georgia’s progress, recognizing us as one of the leading countries in the region. At the same time, however, they express dissatisfaction with the current government - not because of any shortcomings in reforms, but because we are not anyone’s agents in this country. We do not obey directives that harm our national interests”, he concluded.