Georgian Parliament First Vice Speaker Gia Volski said that the opposition has shifted from what it previously called a “peaceful overthrow” to a “peaceful confrontation,” claiming that there have been no attempts at confrontation since October 4 and that the opposition is returning to its usual pattern in hopes that violence or injuries might occur.

“They used to plan a ‘peaceful overthrow,’ now they are planning a ‘peaceful confrontation,’” Volski said while speaking about the planned May 26 rally.

He noted that, according to him, all previous protests were conducted in compliance with the law, with prior notification submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the City Hall five days in advance, allowing rallies to proceed normally.

“During this time, they always followed the law. Information was submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the City Hall five days in advance, and rallies were held normally. Now, when they failed to comply with legal requirements, which they know very well, of course they received a refusal. Especially since on May 26 it is not possible to set up a stage or build the kind of infrastructure they want, because there are already planned events related to May 26. They know this very well,” Volski said.

He added that, in his view, the organizers are trying to draw attention to themselves and to their “sponsors” regarding funding for extremist activities.

“Clearly, people have decided to remind society and their patrons what the money allocated for them to act according to extremist scenarios is being spent on. Since October 4, there have been no such attempts at confrontation, and taking this into account, they are returning to their usual mode - hoping that confrontation will actually happen, that someone might get injured, despite the fact that the rally will be completely peaceful,” he said.

Volski also repeated that similar “peaceful overthrow” plans were allegedly made last year, including on October 4.

“They were planning a ‘peaceful overthrow’ last year, on October 4 as well. Now they are planning a ‘peaceful confrontation,’ earlier they were planning a ‘peaceful overthrow,’” he added.