Georgian State Security Head: attempts to destabilise Georgia visible, but state has power to respond

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Head of Georgia’s State Security Service, on Wednesday claimed multiple groups, both inside and outside the country, were seeking to stir unrest ahead of the upcoming local elections scheduled for Saturday. However, he stressed that the state had the full capacity to counter such attempts strictly within the law.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Mdinaradze noted that there were clear attempts from many directions to destabilise the country, but “I can say categorically and with full responsibility that the Georgian state stands strong”.

“We have the power to oppose these attempts with the law. Our law enforcement agencies are fully committed, loyal to the state, and ready to act with maximum strictness within the legal framework to ensure that no turbulence - whether lasting days or weeks - takes hold in the country”, he said.

While dismissing the possibility that destabilizing forces could achieve “anything serious”, he acknowledged that even limited disruption could still harm Georgia.

“If tomorrow or next year we could expect 8-10% economic growth, turbulence could mean investors staying away and various processes being delayed. This would be very harmful, and we are determined to prevent such outcomes”, Mdinaradze continued.

He underscored that the state was not intimidated by these plans, calling them “unrealistic”, but warned that a lack of vigilance from both authorities and society could make risks more tangible.

“We do not fear their plans - they are unrealistic. But if the public and our institutions fail to pay attention, these risks could become real. That is why we must remain watchful to fully safeguard against risks. Fortunately, we have the strength to do so”, he concluded.