The resignation of three key figures in the Georgian leadership, who had direct access to Georgia’s de facto leader, Bidzina Ivanishvili, leaves Prime Minister Irakli Kobahidze vulnerable and exposed.
The Georgian political crisis that started with the elections held in October 2024 which the opposition, and most of the world, considered flawed, is now in its eighth month. In the meantime, a large number of opposition activists and leaders have been jailed. Kobahidze and his government believed that the opposition efforts would fizzle out. They have not. Now Kobahidze and his inner circle look increasingly tired and embattled. Georgia has been in limbo for months. Young people are getting worried about their future. The crisis is entering a new phase.
This week it was the turn of Georgia’s powerful Interior Minister, Vakhtang Gomelauri to resign. He was not simply a minister, but the rock on which the Georgian Dream government was secured. This followed the resignation earlier of the Chairman of the Georgian Dream Party, Irakli Garibashvili, and the Head of the Security Service, Grigol Liluashvili. The three had one thing in common: they were all in the inner circle of Ivanishvili. Their absence leaves Prime Minister Kobahidze exposed.
The opposition believes the government has, with the arrest of opposition leader, Zurab Japaridze, entered a new phase in its authoritarian quest. But will the Georgian people allow it? Probably not. However, in Tbilisi, it is going to be a long, hot summer.
Source: This is an editorial comment prepared by commonspace.eu
Photo: Tbilisi
