Ruling party official says sidelining “criminal” parties key to genuine opposition growth

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Executive Secretary of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Thursday said the initial sessions of the Parliament’s Temporary Investigative Commission examining alleged crimes committed by the former United National Movement Government between 2003 and 2012 had made it clear that those responsible for past crimes, along with their accomplices - political parties acting with a common hostile agenda against the country - must be removed from the political scene.

In his remarks, Mdinaradze noted that only by taking such measures can the country ensure its survival, development, and reunification.

He further emphasised that sidelining these political forces would also create opportunities for a real, nationally-oriented opposition to emerge in the political arena.

“Only in this way can we genuinely discuss the real prospects of our homeland’s survival, development, reunification, European future, and the preservation of our culture and identity”, the ruling party official said.

“These so-called politicians, weighed down by their past misdeeds, have completely taken over the opposition field, leaving no room for others to participate in democratic processes as government opponents. This is despite the fact that our country has many talented, educated, and patriotic individuals, including young people, who cannot even consider entering politics as opponents to the Government. They understand that they cannot compete with these so-called politicians, who are heavily funded by foreign backers”, Mdinaradze noted.