PM Kobakhidze: “European future” to be “key message” at final campaign event in Tbilisi

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Tuesday claimed the vision of a “bright European future” for Georgia will be the main message at the final campaign event on Wednesday in Tbilisi amid worsening of ties between Tbilisi and the bloc.

Speaking to journalists ahead of the October 26 parliamentary elections, Kobakhidze highlighted the significance of the vote, describing it as equivalent to a national referendum on the country’s future direction.

“In a few days, parliamentary elections will be held, which are equivalent to a referendum,” said Kobakhidze. “This is a crucial day in terms of protecting the country’s national interests.” He urged the public to unite in support of what he called a clear choice between competing visions for Georgia’s future.

The PM claimed the election would determine “whether Georgia moves towards peace or conflict, traditional values or pseudo-liberal propaganda, and national unity or societal division”.

“The public should choose traditional values,” Kobakhidze stated. “Love for each other has always been characteristic of our society, and here some people, including those with external funding, are trying to sow hatred. Society must respond to this on October 26.”

Kobakhidze also delivered a critique of the opposition, singling out the United National Movement, as well as other opposition figures, including Nika Gvaramia and Mamuka Khazaradze. He accused them of representing Georgia’s “dark past” and promoting divisiveness.

“These are people who have been involved in business racketeering and crimes. Our country cannot return to this dark past,” he warned. “We need a clear European future for our country, and this will be the main message at tomorrow’s meeting.”

The EU Ambassador to Georgia on Tuesday urged the public to vote amid “historically deteriorated” ties between the bloc and the country under the GD administration.