Irakli Kobakhidze, at a press conference held at the government building, stated that the protests caused by the decision regarding the European Union demonstrate a "serious reading comprehension problem" in the country.

"Another issue that should be highlighted, and which is related to education, was clearly indicated by what was read at the time from the PISA tests—there is a serious reading comprehension problem in Georgia. When an ordinary person cannot comprehend what he reads or hears, it may be a lesser issue, but when it is difficult for specific individuals, such as civil servants or teachers in schools or higher educational institutions, to comprehend what they read, this is, of course, an even greater problem," Kobakhidze said during a meeting with media representatives.

He added that he is ready for discussions and debates with anyone who "has difficulty comprehending what they read or hear."

Former Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze and former Defense Minister Tina Khidasheli responded to his statement and accepted the challenge to debate. Mikheil Janelidze stated that he is ready to hold a public discussion with Irakli Kobakhidze on the Georgian Public Broadcaster.

"I am ready to sit down with you on the Georgian Public Broadcaster and hold a public discussion. I think you know me well, and you should not doubt my sincerity. If the Georgian Dream has achieved any results on the path to European integration, I have also made a modest contribution. In addition, I do not represent any political party, nor am I fighting for power," the former minister wrote on social media.

The former Minister of Defense, who headed the ministry from 2015 to 2016, also responded to Irakli Kobakhidze's statement on her personal Facebook page:

"I, Tinatin Khidasheli, the former Minister of Defense of Georgia, who has spent my entire professional career fighting for Georgia's Euro-Atlantic future, a person who has been traveling between Brussels and Washington for more than 25 years to attract greater benefits, strategic partnerships, and programs for the country, am ready for any public debate with a man who calls himself the Prime Minister of Georgia. Since his appointment to this post, he has managed to destroy the country's European perspective, suspend the American training program, terminate partnerships, and halt programs by international financial institutions," wrote Tina Khidasheli.

Irakli Kobakhidze responded to the statements of the former ministers, noting that he is open to debate.

"Any of us is ready to sit down with these people specifically in a public discussion. Therefore, if there is such a desire, I confirm our readiness. Despite my doubts about the sincerity of these individuals, we are prepared to engage in a public discussion format," he said.

It is still unknown when, or if, the debates, for which the parties have publicly expressed their readiness, will actually take place.