Georgian PM warns against radical rhetoric, threats of violence

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday urged political actors to exercise caution in their rhetoric, warning that the state would take a strict approach toward any manifestations of radicalism, including talk of coups, arson, and violent unrest.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze stressed that the only legitimate means to change the Government was through elections.

“As for the terminology in general, there is only one legitimate way to change the Government, and that is through elections. Everything else is illegitimate, and such illegitimate measures are directly addressed in the Criminal Code”, Kobakhidze said.

The Prime Minister further said that Georgian society had been hearing the language of radicalism, Molotov cocktails, and coups for years, which he described as unacceptable.

“Georgian society has become accustomed to this language. There is direct talk of radicalism, setting fires, Molotov cocktails, coups, and so on. You often hear such terms, and we cannot continue this practice. Just as with corruption, organised crime, and drug-related crimes, we will have a different, stricter approach toward politically motivated crimes as well, and everyone must come to terms with this and face it”, he noted.

He called on political groups, particularly the opposition, to stop using such rhetoric, warning that the state will no longer tolerate calls for violent actions.

“Therefore, I call on everyone to be more cautious with their rhetoric. It is unacceptable for Georgian society to hear talk of coups, fires, and disasters for years, especially from the United National Movement. When you hear this talk for 13 years, it is, of course, unacceptable for the state. Therefore, the state and legislation will be appropriately strict toward any such manifestations of radicalism”, the PM concluded.