Giorgi Gakharia, the former Prime Minister and the current chair of the opposition For Georgia party, on Wednesday presided over a meeting at the party's Tbilisi office, discussing its progress and the recent, third comeback of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, to politics.
Attended by members of the political council, parliamentary and city assembly members, and other representatives of the party, the meeting focused on diverse issues ranging from party development plans and upcoming elections to team visions, initiatives, and ongoing political dynamics within the country.
In response to Ivanishvili's reentry into the political sphere, Gakharia claimed "It essentially affirmed our earlier assertions. We've long maintained that no one can evade accountability”.
He characterized Ivanishvili's move as “forced” , acknowledging “key decisions” had been made by him behind the scene.
Gakharia further commented on Ivanishvili's recent statements, saying, "While I might sympathize with the human aspect of his feeble justifications, regrettably, he failed to utter a single truthful word or perhaps couldn't do so."
Addressing his own position since resigning in 2021, Gakharia asserted, "From the very outset of my departure, Ivanishvili was well aware that nothing and no one could impede our progress. He cursed incessantly through various means -letters, proxies, and now personally."
Gakharia highlighted his expectation for concrete actions to follow Ivanishvili's accusations and expressed openness to a debate in any format -legally, politically, or linguistically. He affirmed the correctness of his actions legally, politically, and ethically, inviting responsible engagement and demonstrating respect for citizens through adherence to Georgian tradition and European political standards.
The former PM, who quit premiership and the party following controversies over the then chair of the United National Movement, has been accused by Ivanishvili of “betrayal” of the GD and being in alliance with the “radical wing” of the domestic opposition to “spark unrest” to overthrow the current government.
