Georgia’s ruling party official: Georgia needs healthy opposition, not forces serving foreign interests

Irakli Kirtskhalia, the Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party faction in the legislative body, on Wednesday criticised the opposition, claiming that the parties opposing the Government do not represent a genuine political alternative but are, in effect, in opposition to their own country.

“They are not the opposition to the political team of the Georgian Dream. They are formally in opposition to their own country. The political figures and names represented in these parties, even those with non-political backgrounds, were all directly affiliated with the United National Movement”, he said.

In his remarks, Kirtskhalia noted that the opposition parties that have changed names and rebranded themselves should not be viewed as separate political forces.

“I cannot imagine these renamed and repainted parties as different parties. Just look at the faces - they are one group. This division and attempt at rebranding has, to some extent, worked against the backdrop of foreign interference”, he said.

Kirtskhalia further claimed that the opposition had made five unsuccessful attempts to organise a revolution since 2020, four of which he described as violent.

He said the Georgian society expects the emergence of a “healthy political opposition” based on national values, adding that there are many issues where the Government can be challenged through political debate.

“Our country does not need agents. Our country needs a healthy opposition”, Kirtskhalia noted.

The parliamentary majority leader added that, in his view, a healthy opposition will emerge in Georgia after “forces serving foreign interests and their patrons leave the political field”.