Ruling party MP says opposition will face “total destruction” in local elections if their foreign patrons allow participation

Irakli Kirtskhalia, the Deputy Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party faction in the legislative body, on Wednesday said the domestic opposition was carrying out directives from external actors and predicted a crushing defeat for them should they participate in the upcoming local elections, scheduled for October.

In his remarks, Kirtskhalia noted the opposition’s absence would be better for Georgia’s political environment.

“There’s no need to prove that opposition parties are acting on specific assignments - the public knows this very well, even the segment of society that may not be engaged with political news or follow politics in detail and depth. Everything is clear, especially since 2022”, the MP said.

He also noted the ruling party’s commitment to being well-prepared for the elections.

“The less presence they have, the better it will be for our political landscape. If their patrons decide to let them participate in the elections, they will face total destruction. It will be their 10th defeat, and the public will give a clear response to their activities over the past year and a half”, Kirtskhalia concluded.