Georgian opposition's approval rating hits rock bottom, fears elections - MP David Matikashvili

David Matikashvili, an MP from the ruling Georgian Dream party and Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Committee on Procedural Issues and Rules, on Sunday claimed that the domestic radical opposition's approval rating had virtually hit rock bottom, noting that “opposition parties fear any elections that will once again reveal their low public support”.

Matikashvili's comments came after four opposition parties that crossed the electoral threshold in the parliamentary elections held last October announced that they would not take part in the local elections.

In his remarks, Matikashvili argued that the domestic radical opposition’s reluctance to participate in the local elections scheduled for October stemmed from their diminishing support rather than political principles.

He asserted that the opposition frequently shifted its stance, recalling previous instances where their so-called “principled decisions” changed when it became politically convenient.

“The radical opposition's approval rating has practically hit zero. They fear every election where their low approval rating will once again be exposed. If they refuse to participate, this will be the real reason behind it. Their so-called principled statements often change, as is typical of unprincipled radicals. [...] It wouldn’t be surprising if, before the election date, radical opposition members line up at the Central Election Commission to register”, the official said.