**Georgia’s PM: Weakening Radical Opposition Crucial for Country’s Development**
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said on November 18 that weakening the “radical opposition” is essential for Georgia’s development. He made these comments at a government meeting.
Kobakhidze stated, “The radical opposition is in a difficult situation and it’s getting worse every day. It’s crucial to continue this process. Weakening the radical opposition is one of our key tasks to ensure the strength of our country.”
He claimed that when the radical opposition was stronger in the past, Georgia’s positions were weaker. The Prime Minister described the opposition as “evil forces” and “people without a motherland”.
**Opposition Writes to EU**
The opposition coalitions have written a letter to the European Union (EU) expressing concern about alleged electoral fraud during the 2024 parliamentary elections. They are asking the EU not to recognize the legitimacy of these elections.
In their letter, the opposition leaders also propose immediate steps such as sending an EU-led fact-finding mission and halting EU integration process for Georgia until further notice.
**PM Compares EU to Soviet Russia**
Kobakhidze compared the EU’s current stance on Georgia to that of Soviet Russia in the early 20th century. He invoked the figure of Sergo Orjonikidze, a notorious Bolshevik leader who played a key role in establishing Soviet rule in Georgia.
The Prime Minister stated, “You remember the letter Sergo Orjonikidze sent to Moscow a century ago? This is that same letter, but instead of being sent to Moscow, it’s been sent to Brussels.”
**Government Response**
Kobakhidze thanked Interior Minister Vakhtang Gomelauri for his work in managing society during this time. The Prime Minister claimed the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party won a “landslide victory” and praised the Georgian Central Election Commission for conducting the elections to the highest standards.
The opposition, on the other hand, has been critical of the government’s actions and called them undemocratic.