Former Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili has issued a statement addressing the rising political tensions in the country, calling on all sides to act responsibly and seek peaceful solutions to prevent irreversible harm to Georgia.
Kvirikashvili’s message, aimed at the government, protesters, and international partners, reflects his concern for the nation’s stability and future. Kvirikashvili urged authorities to investigate cases of excessive force by police and hold those responsible accountable. He emphasized the importance of maintaining public trust in law enforcement, rejecting the notion that accountability demotivates police officers.
He also called on the government to end its accusatory rhetoric toward the public and acknowledge mistakes, stating that such admissions reflect strength, not weakness. Moreover, he stressed the need to restore ties with Western partners and renew dialogue on EU accession, even if swift results are unlikely.
Expressing solidarity with demonstrators advocating for EU integration, Kvirikashvili emphasized the legitimacy of their demands. However, he urged protesters to distance themselves from violence, warning that any attacks on law enforcement could escalate the situation uncontrollably.
“We must not allow adversaries to exploit the situation,” he said, highlighting the risks posed by external actors seeking to destabilize Georgia.
Kvirikashvili called on the international community to refrain from questioning the legitimacy of Georgia’s government or demanding investigations into past elections until official assessments by organizations like OSCE/ODIHR are released. He emphasized the need for dialogue between political actors to prevent further polarization, warning that instability could harm not only Georgia but also Western geopolitical interests in the region.
Kvirikashvili concluded by calling for calm and compromise:
“All sides must work to de-escalate tensions and return to normal political processes. The government, in particular, must take the initiative in seeking compromises to steer Georgia back on its desired path of development.”
