Georgian Parliament official says public not interested in radicalisation - opposition should focus more on democratic processes

Levan Makhashvili, the Chair of the Committee on European Integration of the Georgian Parliament, on Monday responded to the President Mikheil Kavelashvili’s proposal regarding the potential pardon of opposition leaders, and the reactions from opposition representatives, stating that this was not about the President, the Georgian Dream party, or the state - it was in their own interest, as well as the interest of the segment of society that supported them.

In his remarks, Makhashvili noted that the proposal was providing the opposition with an opportunity to engage in the electoral process and contribute to the country’s development.

“They are doing everything they can to exploit every process and instrument for their political games. Even the President’s sincere offer was met with radical responses. Again, this offer is not made for the benefit of the President, the Georgian Dream, or the state - it is in the interest of the opposition itself and their supporters”, the official said.

“It is a chance for them to once again participate in the electoral process and make a meaningful contribution to society and the country’s progress”, he continued.

Makhashvili concluded by emphasising that the public was not interested in radicalisation.

“From a state perspective, it is also in our interest that even this segment of the opposition focuses less on radicalism and more on democratic processes”, he said.