Ex-PM Gakharia’s party faces criticism on parliamentary mandates

The Secretary General of the United National Movement (UNM), Petre Tsiskarishvili, on Friday said that the political party Gakharia for Georgia allegedly appeared intent on holding onto its parliamentary mandates, despite widespread opposition calls to vacate their seats.

Tsiskarishvili addressed journalists regarding the ongoing issue of suspended deputy mandates by 49 of 61 opposition MP amid claims of electoral fraud, suggesting that in the coming months, it will become evident whether Giorgi Gakharia, former Prime Minister and leader of Gakharia for Georgia, “aligns himself with the people and the opposition or legitimizes the current Parliament, which the opposition deems controlled by the ruling Georgian Dream party”.

“Gakharia’s decision is understandable – he is clinging to his parliamentary mandate, trying to retain his seat. However, his faction will face the moment of truth in a few months,” Tsiskarishvili stated.

“During this spring session, they must either participate in parliamentary activities and legitimize the regime by sitting in the same hall as those whom even representatives in PACE refuse to engage with, or Georgian Dream will be forced to expel them due to absenteeism. This decisive moment will come in April-May, revealing their true stance—whether they stand with the people and the opposition or whether they provide legitimacy to an illegitimate parliament.”

All opposition MPs, but those 12 from Gakharia for Georgia, were suspended on their MP status on Wednesday.