Georgian PM says state will not allow either peaceful non-peaceful overthrow

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday said the state would not allow any attempts at overthrow - whether peaceful or non-peaceful.

Kobakhidze’s comments came in response to journalists’ questions regarding recent comments by the opposition leaders - Paata Burchuladze and Levan Khabeishvili - about a “peaceful overthrow”.

The PM noted that such rhetoric reflected the true nature, mindset, and attitudes of the radical opposition, which, in his words, was driven by foreign influence.

“The names alone say it all - how can anyone take these two individuals’ statements seriously? Yet again, this shows the face of the radical opposition. For years they have been talking about overthrow and revolution. Even though they have failed, it still reflects their mindset and attitudes. This is how foreign agents operate”, he pointed out.

“Naturally, the state stands firm and will not allow either a peaceful or a non-peaceful overthrow. Just as we have promised the public over the years and kept that promise, we now promise again - and we will certainly fulfill this commitment”, Kobakhidze concluded.