Giorgi Gakharia, leader of the Gakharia for Georgia opposition and former prime minister, on Wednesday criticized the ruling Georgian Dream party for its “treatment of civil servants” in the run-up to the Saturday’s elections, drawing parallels with actions taken by former president Mikheil Saakashvili before the 2012 elections.
“They [Georgian Dream] have become very similar to the UNM. There’s no limit anymore. Ivanishvili is doing exactly what Misha Saakashvili did before the 2012 elections. It’s a shame, and I consider it an insult to public servants”, Gakharia said.
He claimed alleged mobilization of civil servants for the GD Tbilisi campaign event later today was a “disrespectful practice” and emphasized the need for a neutral public sector to enable the possibility of a coalition government. Gakharia promised that his party would prioritize freeing civil servants, teachers, police officers, military personnel, and other government employees from “political pressure” if elected.
“The first thing we will do is give civil servants, teachers, policemen, the army, employees of ministries and agencies, and employees of municipalities the freedom they deserve”, he pledged.
Meanwhile, Mamuka Mdinaradze, Executive Secretary of the GD party, took to social media on Wednesday to address what he described as growing concerns among government opponents and national television stations.
“Yes, not all those who wish to attend the rally [from the country’s regions] will be able to, but we will ensure transportation for a significant number. There’s no need to worry”, Mdinaradze wrote, adding a “jab” at the opposition: “You are concerned about the regions, but when Tbilisi speaks, they may need pacifiers”.
