Kobakhidze could lose PM post as UK prepares harsh sanctions, analyst

Political analyst Gia Khukhashvili on Friday claimed the UK was preparing serious financial sanctions over the alleged use of toxic substances during Georgia’s 2024 protests - a process that could ultimately cost PM Irakli Kobakhidze his position if Bidzinana Ivanishvili, the ruling party founder and honorary chair, decided so.

Khukhashvili warned that the UK was likely to launch a “very serious” sanctions response following the BBC investigation alleging the use of prohibited chemical agents against protesters in Georgia.

According to him, British authorities were already compiling a list of individuals potentially responsible for the incident.

“A heavy sanctions package will follow. Britain is drafting a list of those linked to the toxic substance. Once London makes the first move, the process may unfold like a domino effect,” Khukhashvili said.

He added that Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s position may become expendable depending on a decision from Ivanishvili.

“Kobakhidze could lose his post if Ivanishvili wants to use this moment to replace him. So far, we see no signs that the government is taking serious steps to get out of this situation,” he noted.

Khukhashvili suggested that political logic may push Ivanishvili to leverage the crisis to initiate what he called a “clean-out operation” within the ruling team.