Georgian PM accuses opposition of lacking arguments in case seeking to ban five parties

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused opposition parties of lacking arguments to defend their positions in a Constitutional Court case seeking to ban five opposition groups, claiming they are turning to foreign diplomats instead of engaging with the judicial process.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Kobakhidze criticised opposition representatives for meeting foreign ambassadors while the court proceedings are underway, saying their actions suggest they lack confidence in their legal arguments.

“They prefer to speak to foreign diplomats rather than the court, which says a lot, including that they have no hope of defending their positions because they have no arguments,” Kobakhidze said.

He accused opposition parties of engaging in “political sabotage” over the years, alleging that they had repeatedly challenged the legitimacy of parliamentary elections, parliaments and presidents before subsequently participating in institutions they had declared illegitimate.

The PM also alleged that opposition groups had knowingly acted against Georgia’s constitutional order, including through violent means, and would now have to answer for their actions in court.

“They were aware that they were acting against the constitutional order, including using violent methods to overthrow it. Today, they will have to answer for all of this,” he said.

Kobakhidze noted the government wanted the Constitutional Court to fully uphold its lawsuit seeking to ban the five opposition parties, adding that he believed the opposition would struggle to present convincing arguments in its defence.

Separately, Kobakhidze criticised statements by European representatives concerning the ongoing proceedings, describing them as an attempt to exert political pressure on the judiciary.

“Everyone must respect judicial independence, the rule of law and the independence of institutions. When court proceedings are underway and a particular European institution seeks to exert influence or pressure, that is concerning in itself,” he said, adding that such actions were contrary to European values.

Asked about former Constitutional Court judge Manana Kobakhidze’s remarks on judicial responsibility, the prime minister said judges should act in accordance with their professional obligations and that no one should evade responsibility.