Ruling party MP predicts failure of opposition’s 13 September protest

A Georgian Dream lawmaker has dismissed plans by opposition parties to hold a protest on 13 September, describing the initiative as part of a broader “orchestrated attack” on Georgia.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, MP David Matikashvili said the demonstration, announced by eight opposition parties, was “doomed to fail” and compared previous protest attempts to “soap bubbles that quickly burst.”

He accused the opposition of seeking to radicalise events in Georgia, alleging that local activists and non-governmental organisations were being directed by foreign actors he described as a “fifth column”.

“The plan comes from a specific leader and represents an attempt to implement a scheme contrary to the interests of the Georgian people,” Matikashvili claimed. “But it is impossible to deceive our citizens. Georgia’s national interest is peace, unity, economic progress, and the well-being of the country. Any such attempt will end in failure, as previous efforts have.”

Eight opposition parties have announced a rally in September, claiming the GD authorities had no plans to fulfil conditions for the country’s EU visa waiver.