Vice PM claims ex-Pres Saakashvili remains key figure among 'agent groups', rejects claims of opposition reshuffle

Georgian Vice Prime Minister and State Minister responsible for coordinating law enforcement agencies Mamuka Mdinaradze on Wednesday accused imprisoned former President Mikheil Saakashvili of remaining a central figure among what he described as "agent groups", dismissing reports of a power shift within the opposition.

Speaking at a briefing at the Government Administration, Mdinaradze claimed Saakashvili was attempting to demonstrate his continued political influence.

"The leader of the United National Movement, during his time in power, was an exemplary executor of assignments. Among the agent groups in this country, Mikheil Saakashvili was one of the most distinguished in carrying out such assignments. That is why he still has a special role, not only within his own party but across the so-called opposition, which in reality consists of agent groups," Mdinaradze said.

He argued that Saakashvili's recent statements were aimed at convincing his "patrons" that he remained influential enough to retain their support.

"He is trying to prove that he still has enough influence for them to choose him. His recent outbursts serve only that purpose. We should not believe the claims that there is a redistribution of power within the opposition. That is merely an illusion. There may be personal ambitions and egos at play, but what we are really seeing is a struggle for influence, an attempt to impress their patrons and a redistribution of power among these agent groups," he said.

In a separate part of the briefing, Mdinaradze reiterated the Government's position that Georgia would not take actions contrary to its national interests, referring to “calls” made by Ukrainian officials following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

He recalled that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had withdrawn Ukraine's ambassador from Georgia after Tbilisi refused to impose sanctions on Russia and declined to send volunteer fighters with government backing.

Mdinaradze also referred to public calls by Ukrainian officials for Georgia to impose sanctions, provide military assistance and facilitate the deployment of volunteers, arguing these statements reflected attempts to draw Georgia into a broader geopolitical confrontation.

"They have a plan to use this country as a pawn in a global confrontation. We will not allow that. Whatever may serve the interests of others does not necessarily serve Georgia's interests, and Georgia's Government will never do anything that is not in the country's national interest," he said.