Georgia braces for 13 September opposition rally amid government warnings of 'foreign orchestration'

The political landscape in Georgia is heating up ahead of a major rally announced by eight opposition parties for 13 September.

The opposition, which has refused to participate in the upcoming 4 October local elections, says the demonstration will mark the start of a new phase of political resistance. However, the ruling Georgian Dream party and its allies are sharply dismissing the initiative, portraying it as a foreign-backed conspiracy designed to destabilise the country.

According to Rustavi 2 TV channel, John DiPiro, Director of Georgian Programs at the International Republican Institute (IRI) in the United States, has been linked to the opposition’s plans. Reports suggest that if the authorities fail to comply with European Commission recommendations, opposition leaders may escalate the protest and even plan visits to Washington to garner international support.

Government officials have responded with alarmist rhetoric. Irakli Zarkua, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Diaspora Issues, described the rally as the beginning of a “new season of revolutions” and accused the opposition of using young people to foment chaos. “These people without a homeland have their own patron and conductor. In this case, their conductor is the regional head of IRI, DiPiro,” Zarkua said, insisting that the opposition’s efforts will fail like “soap bubbles.”

Echoing this sentiment, Georgian Dream MP Davit Matikashvili called the rally part of an “orchestrated conspiracy and attack on Georgia,” allegedly driven by a so-called ‘fifth column’ and external actors. He accused NGOs and opposition leaders of working against Georgia’s national interests.

“No matter what lies, machinations, and falsifications they resort to, they will not succeed in deceiving the Georgian people,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Guram Macharashvili of the People’s Power party went further, directly accusing foreign forces of organising and financing training sessions aimed at teaching Georgian youth how to “make a revolution” and “overthrow state institutions.” He argued that the 13 September rally is part of a broader effort by what he termed the “Global War Party” to illegally change the government.

The opposition, however, sees the demonstration as a legitimate expression of political dissent and a step toward pressuring the government to uphold democratic standards. The deep divide highlights Georgia’s fragile political environment, where accusations of foreign influence and conspiracies often frame the narrative.

As 13 September approaches, the rally is shaping up to be not only a domestic test of opposition strength but also a signal of the broader geopolitical tug-of-war in Georgia. While the government warns of destabilization, opposition leaders argue that only civic activism can ensure accountability. The outcome may define the next chapter in Georgia’s contentious political journey.
 

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