Struggle in the Post-Soviet Space: Georgian Prime Minister Accuses EU Ambassador of Inciting Violence in Tbilisi

On Saturday, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused the EU ambassador to Georgia of being responsible for the violent riots that occurred in the capital, Tbilisi.

Kobakhidze stated at a press conference: "Certain foreign forces have even publicly supported attempts to overthrow the constitutional order, including EU representatives. In this context, the EU ambassador to Georgia bears special responsibility. We urge him to show goodwill and publicly and clearly condemn all illegal acts that took place on the streets of Tbilisi."

Secretary General of the ruling party "Georgian Dream", Kaha Kalandashvili, directly pointed out that the protesters attempted a coup.

He emphasized: "These demonstrators have long lost their own will and have become tools of an external force network. All lawbreakers, regardless of their identity, will be severely punished. I solemnly convey this position to the entire nation."

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia, several criminal cases have been initiated regarding the riots, including charges of inciting a coup and assaulting police officers.

"Georgian Dream" party representatives pointed out that although domestic and foreign forces meticulously planned this turmoil, the law enforcement agencies will do their utmost to maintain social order.

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia, Alexander Darchiashvili, said that 14 law enforcement officers were injured in the Tbilisi riots. Darchiashvili told reporters: "Fourteen officers were injured during the protest, one of whom is seriously wounded."

After the Central Election Commission announced preliminary results of the local elections, the ruling party "Georgian Dream" announced on October 4 that it had won in all 64 municipal units across the country. According to data from the Central Election Commission, with 55% of the votes counted, the ruling party obtained more than 80% of the seats in the local government elections; in the mayoral election of Tbilisi, after 73% of the votes were counted, candidate Kaha Kalandashvili won with over 71% of the vote.

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1845083708179467/

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