Georgian PM presents mayoral candidates ahead of local elections

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday delivered a speech at the presentation of mayoral candidates in municipalities ahead of the local elections scheduled for October 4.

“As you know, we have launched our election campaign, presented our mayoral candidate for the capital, as well as majoritarian candidates for the Tbilisi City Council. Today, as Chair of the Georgian Dream [party] and head of the campaign headquarters, I would like to introduce our mayoral candidates across the country - in 63 municipalities”, the PM said.

“In many cases, the candidates’ identities are already known, with banners and billboards displayed, but I would like to present all 63 mayoral candidates together”, he continued.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze noted that according to all surveys, local self-government enjoyed exceptionally high public trust.

“Naturally, our goal is to further strengthen this trust. This is the merit of our party’s local representatives, local government leaders, mayors, city council chairpersons, council members, and every employee of local government. I would like to take this opportunity to thank each of them in particular”, he said.

“Special thanks go to the mayors of municipalities who have served their municipalities and local residents with professionalism and integrity over the past four years”, Kobakhidze added.

He highlighted that of the 63 candidates being presented today, the majority were incumbent mayors or acting mayors, further introducing new candidates in several municipalities.

“We are confident that every single candidate will win in their respective municipality. Our goal is clear - to win both mayoral and council elections in all 64 municipalities nationwide. Polls confirm that this is an entirely realistic objective. Naturally, our election headquarters and party will be fully mobilised to achieve this result. I wish success to all our mayoral candidates”, Kobakhidze concluded.