Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze is holding a repeat meeting today with Alain Berset, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, just two days after their initial discussions in Tbilisi. The government administration confirmed the meeting is taking place as part of Berset’s ongoing official visit to Georgia.
During his visit, Berset first met with Kobakhidze on Wednesday and also had a separate meeting with Georgian Dream founder and Honorary Chair Bidzina Ivanishvili amid protests in the country against the Government’s move last month to suspend EU integration until 2028.
The Council of Europe Secretary General on Thursday continued his diplomatic engagement with Georgia’s political landscape by meeting leaders of the three opposition parties that overcame the barriers in the October 26 parliamentary elections. However, the Coalition for Change refused to meet with him, highlighting the divided political atmosphere in the country.
Berset’s visit comes against the backdrop of significant political tension and growing polarization in Georgia. Protests erupted on November 28 after the government announced it would not put the issue of opening EU accession negotiations on the agenda until the end of 2028. Since then, demonstrations have been met with strong police response, including the use of riot gear and special forces. Over 400 people have been arrested, and several media representatives have been injured in the clashes, which have drawn widespread attention to the government’s handling of the situation.
The Council of Europe has expressed concern over the ongoing unrest, urging all parties to avoid further escalation. In its statement, the Council called on the Georgian authorities to refrain from the disproportionate use of force and to uphold the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Ahead of his visit, Berset welcomed the release of opposition figures Aleksandre Elisashvili and Nika Gvaramia from prison, signaling international support for political dialogue.
