Georgian President says lack of “healthy opposition” leaves “no alternative” to ruling Georgian Dream party

Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili on Wednesday said there was no viable alternative to the ruling Georgian Dream party, nor a healthy opposition, which he deems crucial for the country.

In his interview with Rustavi 2 TV channel, Kavelashvili noted that the Georgian Dream party was standing as the “only balanced, consistent, and strong party” in Georgia's political landscape.

“Unfortunately, there is no alternative to the Georgian Dream – a healthy opposition, which is also essential for our country, simply doesn’t exist, and the outcome remains unchanged”, the President said.

Kavelashvili further highlighted that the current tensions in the political arena were artificially induced.

“I can confidently say that the current tensions in the political arena are artificially induced. My focus is on voters - the citizens of Georgia who love their country. Of course, every party has its supporters, especially the Georgian Dream, but there are also people who may not support the party yet still assess the situation neutrally and fairly with the well-being of the state in mind”, he noted.

“How should a citizen evaluate ongoing developments? We start with the state and respect for the Constitution, then move on to elections. What are elections? They are the opportunities offered by political parties on how to govern the country - what they propose across different areas”, the Georgian President continued.

He added that based on this, in a free choice, citizens had every right to vote as they wished.

“Looking at today’s reality - and I speak based on facts - the only balanced, consistent, and strong party is the Georgian Dream. Although internal changes are underway and faces are changing - naturally, there are mistakes as well - it remains the only party that takes into account the opinions of its voters and the public. Mistakes are inevitable, but it is consistent in its vision and provides the public with accurate information. That’s why it has no alternative”, Kavelashvili concluded.