Georgian PM: opposition rally of 5 000 shows weakness - Government retains strong public support

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday commented on the May 26 opposition rally, saying that the turnout of around 5 000 people called by opposition figures could even be seen as a limited success for them, while arguing that the Government retains strong public support.

Kobakhidze noted that the turnout remained low, notwithstanding mobilisation efforts by key opposition leaders, including Nika Gvaramia, Salome Zourabichvili and Zurab Japaridze.

“What we predicted happened - they failed another rally. Some citizens came out. This is their democratic right. When 5 000 persons come out at the call of Nika Gvaramia, Zurab Japaridze, Salome Zourabichvili, and such figures, this can even be considered a success for this opposition”, he said.

The Prime Minister further argued that if elections were held today, the opposition would fail to match its previous electoral performance.

“However, we see that they practically have no resources. If elections were held today, they would not even achieve the results they got two years ago. We have very strong support from Georgian society. Their support is minimal, which was once again shown yesterday”, Kobakhidze concluded.