PM: opposition’s “disorientation” will “aid” Georgia’s “democratic development”

Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Thursday claimed the domestic opposition was in a state of “disarray” following its election defeat last month, claiming their “ongoing missteps” would “ultimately benefit” the “country’s democratic progress”.

The opposition is completely disoriented. You can see that it is in a difficult situation”, the official told the press after the Parliament expressed confidence in his Goverment amid the opposition’s boycott of the legislative body with claims of “rigged elections”. 

The official alleged the opposition leaders had “deceived their supporters” by claiming electoral victory and “overestimating” their public support.

For months, they misled their voters, saying they were winning the elections and that our support was only at 20 percent, 30 percent, or 35 percent. However, in the end, they were confronted with the reality, and now they have to justify themselves to their supporters. This leads to their disorientation and weak state”, the PM said.

He further expressed confidence the opposition’s “continued errors” would “contribute to a stable and democratic development” of the country.

They make mistake after mistake, and all this will ultimately aid a stable, democratic development of our country”, he added. 

In comments on the opposition’s potential decision to terminate their parliamentary mandates, the PM noted the process remained open and contingent on their formal applications.

We have not yet had a discussion over the matter. We will wait for the applications from the opposition, and then a joint discussion will be held on the issue”, Kobakhidze said.

He highlighted the opposition had the right to request the termination of mandates, but the final decision lay with the Parliament.

It is the opposition’s right to file an application. Later, of course, the Parliament will make a decision. You may recall that last year we decided not to terminate mandates. What this year’s decision will be depends on the discussion”, Kobakhidze said. 

Three of four opposition groups that gained seats in the 11th Parliament this week have requested the Central Election Commission to withdraw their party lists and terminate their mandates.