Georgian PM: radical opposition's absence will strengthen democracy

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday said the absence of the radical opposition from the political arena would lead to a more democratic environment and greater potential for establishing a fully functional democratic system in the country.

In his interview with Imedi TV, Kobakhidze noted that the radical opposition's participation in the upcoming local elections was posing minimal challenges, as their representation in municipal councils would be negligible.

“It makes no difference to us whether or not the opposition takes part in the local elections. The outcome might change mathematically in the sense that they may have, on average, about five members represented in municipal councils. Naturally, I mean five members in total across all councils, not five in each. Their participation or absence will not impact us significantly. In fact, I say this without any irony - democracy would benefit from their absence”, the PM said.

He further went on to claim that Georgia was currently lacking a fully developed democratic system due to the presence of what he called a “radical opposition”, which, in his words, acts more like a foreign agent network than a genuine political force.

“They are constantly instructed not to recognise the legitimacy of the Government. Under such conditions, a healthy system cannot emerge. Therefore, if these political parties disappear from the political space altogether, there will be more democracy”, the Government head continued.

The PM further highlighted that the Georgian Government would also contribute to this process by appealing to the Constitutional Court.

“We are highly hopeful that the Court will support our claim. There is no alternative - if this agent network does not disappear from Georgian politics, a healthy opposition will never emerge in our political system. That’s why their absence from the elections has serious advantages and would only contribute to the strengthening of our democratic system. But even if they do participate, no major challenge is expected. Their representation in local councils would be negligible”, Kobakhidze concluded.