Khatia Dekanoidze, an opposition MP from the Eurooptimists faction, has leveled accusations against the Girchi opposition party, alleging cooperation with the ruling power regarding its recent initiative to abolish gender quotas in party lists ahead of the October general elections.

During a session of the Human Rights Protection and Civil Integration Committee of the Parliament on Tuesday, Dekanoidze expressed her discontent, casting doubt on the integrity of Girchi members and branding them as "mere opportunists prioritizing negotiation over principles."

The lawmaker also highlighted instances where male support contributed to the parliamentary success of certain Girchi members. 

"How did you enter parliament? You also gained entry with male assistance. If it weren't for Zura Girchi Japaridze, with whom you now have a strained relationship, would you be in parliament? In other words, your parliamentary presence owes to male merit, akin to many women."

She further emphasized, "in principle, equality is inherent, a cornerstone of human rights; we don't require merit for equality... Your sole interest is entering parliament, surpassing the 5 percent threshold, and the government will facilitate this. You'll never ascend to power."

During a parliamentary bureau session on April 1, it was revealed that negotiations between majority leader Mamuka Mdinaradze and Girchi chairman Iago Khvichia resulted in an agreement. Under the terms, the majority would support Girchi's initiative in exchange for Girchi endorsing a candidate acceptable to the ruling party for the election of the Central Election Commission (CEC) chairman.

Khvichia argued that maintaining gender quotas undermined credibility and equality, suggesting that quotas hindered professional trust, Subsequently, the parliamentary majority endorsed expediting the draft law's consideration during the bureau session. The proposed amendments are set to be discussed in the first reading during the upcoming plenary session on Wednesday.

Last year, the Georgian Parliament passed amendments to the Election Code, extending the validity of gender quotas in proportional party lists until 2032. These amendments mandated that every fourth candidate on proportional party lists for the October elections must be a woman, aiming to foster greater gender diversity in political leadership.