Georgian PM: opposition should “talk to people instead of foreign patrons” ahead of elections

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday said the domestic opposition should “talk to [the country’s] people instead of their foreign patrons” ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections, alleging the parties opposing the Government had “nothing to say” to citizens and “cannot even make promises” for the vote.

The agenda of the Government’s opponents is as follows - instead of addressing people directly, they are campaigning outside the country, which will likely lead to their failure in the election. In any election, it is essential to talk to your own people instead of your foreign patrons. This is an axiom for any election”, Kobakhidze claimed during a press briefing.

The Prime Minister criticised the opposition for making what he called "false promises" regarding the United National Movement party’s election pledges to access a purported $14 billion in foreign funding.

The party claimed the funds were intended to support the country’s economic development but were being “blocked” by the ruling Georgian Dream party.

The claim of $14 billion is false and baseless. Such deceitful tactics are disgraceful, but our society is experienced enough to see through these lies [...] If we compare the annual support for a European Union member state of our size of economy, it amounts to about $500 million. The claim of receiving $14 billion in support is false, as no one has received such aid”, he said.

Kobakhidze also mentioned “another false promise” of the opposition - pledges of ensuring €500 monthly pensions - which he said had been “retracted” after they “turned out to be an ordinary lie”.

It was such a blatant lie that they retracted the promise within a few days. The increase in pension is entirely dependent on the growth of the economy. Anyone with even a basic understanding of economics can agree the €500 pension is an ordinary lie being spread to the public”, he said.

The Prime Minister alleged the opposition would “not gain the public’s trust with such lies”, highlighting Georgian Dream as the “only political force that will offer the public both ambitious and achievable promises”, which he said would be revealed on October 1, 25 days before the election.

Kobakhidze also highlighted the “diverse” electoral list of the ruling party, presented to the public this week, calling the variety an “advantage” for the party.

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In response to criticism from the opposition regarding the list, the Prime Minister emphasised it included “outstanding” and “experienced” politicians, as well as representatives from sports, business, art and other fields.

He added the opposition's criticism was “unwarranted” as they did “not have resources for renewal” while the ruling party had presented a “renewed list in all directions”, encouraging the party to “utilise this advantage to the fullest”.