Gov’t plans provocation on Independence Day, opposition leader

Elene Khoshtaria, a leader of the Coalition for Change opposition, has accused pro-government forces of attempting to provoke unrest ahead of the country’s Independence Day on 26 May.

Speaking to reporters, Khoshtaria said there were “deliberate efforts” to turn the national holiday into a day of “confrontation, violence, and negativity.”

“That’s why they are Russians [in reference to the Georgian Dream Government] -  because they want to turn May 26 into a day of confrontation, violence, and negativity, which they will not succeed in doing,” she said.

Khoshtaria also emphasized the need for unity and restraint among opposition groups, urging a “peaceful and dignified” commemoration of the national holiday.

“For more than a month now, we have been working with absolutely all public groups to make this a common, public national day that reflects the fact that this is Independence Day and, on the other hand, that this independence is to be defended,” she claimed.

Khoshtaria also called on opposition supporters to reject any provocations, warning against internal division. 

“We must respond to all attempts to incite confrontation among these groups with great responsibility and wisdom, and under no circumstances should we allow confrontation within our ranks.”

Earlier this week, opposition leaders, including Khoshtaria, met with fifth President Salome Zourabichvili to discuss plans for the 26 May celebrations. The meeting underscored efforts by parts of the opposition to frame the day not only as a patriotic occasion but also as a platform to highlight concerns over alleged democratic backsliding.