GEORGIA’S PRIME MINISTER CLAIMS PROTESTERS AIM TO OVERTHROW GOVERNMENT, PROMISES INTENSIFIED CRACKDOWN. (PHOTO).

 Georgia’s prime minister claims protesters aim to overthrow government, promises intensified crackdown

Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused opposition forces on Sunday of attempting to topple his government and promised a stricter crackdown on dissent, following his party’s claim of sweeping victories in local elections largely boycotted by major rivals.

Tens of thousands of protesters marched in Tbilisi on election day, denouncing what they see as government repression and Georgia’s growing closeness to Moscow. Kobakhidze’s Georgian Dream party said Saturday it had won every municipality in the local elections, which opposition blocs dismissed as illegitimate. Protests have surged since Georgian Dream halted EU accession talks last November, a move that sparked mass arrests and clashes with police after opposition allegations of rigged parliamentary elections. Authorities have passed laws targeting demonstrators, NGOs, rights groups, and independent media, drawing comparisons to Russian-style legislation under President Vladimir Putin.

Saturday’s demonstrations escalated when riot police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds that smashed the presidential palace gates. The opposition has framed the rallies as a “peaceful revolution” to restore democracy, but Kobakhidze said Sunday they represent months of efforts to overthrow his government. He claimed foreign influence in the protests and vowed to “completely neutralize foreign agents,” while also signaling willingness to reset relations with Western partners.

Following the rally, five activists, including opera singer Paata Burchuladze, were detained on charges of promoting the violent overthrow of the government and participating in group violence, according to Georgia’s Interior Ministry. Authorities also pledged to identify anyone who attempted to storm the presidential palace.

The elections on Saturday selected mayors for five major cities, including Tbilisi, as well as heads of over 50 municipalities and municipal council members. The two main opposition blocs and several smaller parties boycotted the vote, protesting Georgian Dream’s continued dominance.