Georgian PM says radical opposition has “no chance of success” on October 4

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobkhidze on Monday said that the radical opposition had no chance of success on October 4, stressing that while everyone was free to assemble within the law in a democratic country, any violation of the law would be met with an appropriate response.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze noted that the entire radical opposition represented one force named “the collective United National Movement”.

“One of the reasons why the United National Movement and its offshoot announced the October 4 rally is to minimise the votes for Lelo and Giorgi Gakharia. There are subjective interests, but in the end, they all have the same patron”, the PM said.

“Therefore, it is no surprise that no matter what tactical or subjective differences they may have, their patron ultimately drives them together. This will be the case on October 4 as well. But in no way do they have a chance of success. In Georgia, we have democracy, and everyone can assemble, but only within the framework of the law. If anyone dares to break the law, they will all receive an appropriate response”, Kobakhidze concluded.