GEORGIA PM SAYS STORMING OF PRESIDENTIAL PALACE AIMED AT OVERTHROWING GOV'T
TBILISI, Georgia - Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused protesters who tried to storm the presidential palace of attempting to overthrow the government on Sunday.
Kobakhidze said the demonstrators aimed to overthrow the constitutional order and added that EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski bore special responsibility for supporting the rally. He called on Herczynski to distance himself and strictly condemn everything happening on the streets of Tbilisi, according to Interpress.
The incident occurred during an opposition rally on the day of local elections in Georgia. Riot police used pepper spray and water cannons to disperse protesters near the presidential palace.
Opposition leaders have been critical of President Salome Zourabichvili's government, citing concerns over electoral reform and corruption. Giorgi Vashadze, a prominent opposition figure, was jailed last week amid a widening crackdown on dissent.
The Georgian government has accused EU officials of meddling in the country's politics. Kobakhidze said that Herczynski's support for the rally was "unacceptable" and called for him to be more cautious in his interactions with the government.
In response, the European Union issued a statement urging restraint from all parties involved. The statement emphasized the importance of respecting democratic processes and ensuring free and fair elections.
The storming of the presidential palace has raised concerns about the stability of Georgia's democracy. The country has been plagued by protests and unrest in recent months, with opposition leaders calling for greater transparency and accountability.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Georgian government is working to maintain order and ensure a smooth electoral process. The outcome of the local elections remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the storming of the presidential palace has exposed deep divisions within Georgia's politics.
The EU Ambassador Herczynski declined to comment on Kobakhidze's accusations, citing diplomatic protocol. However, he did express his commitment to supporting democratic processes in Georgia and ensuring that the country's elections are free and fair.
In a statement, the Georgian opposition said they were "disappointed" by the government's response to the protests and accused them of using force against peaceful demonstrators. They called for greater dialogue and cooperation between the government and opposition leaders.
The situation on the ground remains tense, with protesters continuing to gather near the presidential palace. The outcome of the local elections is expected to be closely watched by international observers, who are monitoring the process to ensure its integrity.
As the country navigates this challenging period, one thing is clear: Georgia's democracy is at a crossroads. The storming of the presidential palace has exposed deep divisions within the country's politics, and it remains to be seen how they will be resolved.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*
