Opera star Burchuladze unsure to stay or quit his political party

Leader of a political party established for the 2016 Parliamentary Elections is not fully denying rumours he might quit the newly formed party.

Famous Georgian opera star Paata Burchuladze spoke with media today, where he neither confirmed nor denied speculations about his leaving the State for People political party he established.

Burchuladze led the Paata Burchuladze – State for People election bloc, which united three parties, in the October 8 Parliamentary Elections. This afternoon he said he was "disappointed” with the election results.

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Burchuladze’s bloc received 3.45% of total votes and failed to gain a seat in the 150-member Parliament. To get a seat parties were required to gain at least five percent votes.

It was dishonestly conducted elections. Can you image what type of Parliament we will have? Who appeared in the body and who stayed out?” Burchuladze questioned with local media. 

I will hold a media briefing in two days and will answer all questions [you have] about the elections and about the party’s future,” Burchuladze added. 

He seemed confused when asked whether he would remain with the party he established, and answered "maybe” and "let’s see”, then "I’m staying” 

In May 2016 Burchuladze ended his musical career and announced he was entering politics, forming the State for People party. 

In August 2016 the Paata Burchuladze-State for People political bloc was established which initially united four parties:

• State for People – established by Burchuladze
• Girchi – a political party created by ex-members of United National Movement (UNM) 
• New Georgia – a party founded by ex-UNM member Giorgi Vashadze 
• New Rights – a non-Parliamentary opposition. 

Several days before the October 8 Parliamentary Elections Girchi said Burchuladze blackmailed them and demanded "millions” from the party for his "personal use.” 

Burchuladze responded and said he "dismissed” Girchi from the coalition when he found out the party was financed by Georgia’s ex-Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili.