Vice Speaker Volski accuses opposition of pursuing foreign agenda, seeking to destabilise Georgia

Georgian Parliament First Vice Speaker Giorgi Volski has accused the opposition United National Movement (UNM) of seeking to destabilise the country and acting on behalf of foreign interests.

Speaking on Wednesday, Volski said the opposition's main objective was to "damage Georgia", undermine the government and promote revolutionary processes.

He argued that the UNM had supported engagement with Russia following the 2008 war because it reflected the international political climate at the time, but had since changed its rhetoric in line with what he described as instructions from external actors.

"The world has changed, and so has the policy of those acting as agents," Volski said.

He claimed that international attitudes towards Russia had shifted significantly since 2008, when Moscow remained a member of the G8, and alleged that foreign actors now wanted Georgia to align more closely with efforts to confront Russia, including through economic or military involvement.

Volski also rejected opposition accusations that the ruling Georgian Dream party had pursued pro-Russian policies since taking office in 2012.

He said critics had failed to present evidence that the government had taken decisions benefiting Russia or departed from European Union standards.

The lawmaker further alleged that the opposition was following a political "script" written by several European politicians.