Georgian premier says there is no political crisis in country amid pro-EU protests

By Davit Kachkachishvili

TBILISI, Georgia (AA) – Georgia’s prime minister on Tuesday denied claims of a political crisis despite nearly three weeks of pro-EU protests following the government’s decision to suspend accession talks with the bloc.

Speaking at a press conference in the capital Tbilisi, Irakli Kobakhidze said the South Caucasus country’s institutions remain stable and functioning. "There is a stable parliamentary majority, a stable government, and therefore no political crisis," he said.

The protests erupted after the government announced it would delay the start of EU membership negotiations until 2028, citing external pressures.

Kobakhidze accused some radical forces of trying to destabilize the country during the protests and credited security forces with thwarting alleged attempts to overthrow the government.

On Nov. 28, Kobakhidze announced that in response to alleged European political interference and extortion with EU funds, Georgia would suspend its EU accession talks until 2028, although it would continue working toward EU membership by 2030.​​​​​​​

The decision sparked outrage, with thousands of protesters taking to the streets of Tbilisi.

Georgia’s opposition, for its part, has accused Russia of interfering in the country’s Oct. 26 general elections, which a pro-Russian party won.

Moscow is opposed to Georgia entering the EU.