Ruling party MP accuses Gakharia's party of aligning with United National Movement

Archil Gorduladze, chair of the Georgian Parliament's Legal Affairs Committee, has accused members of former prime minister Giorgi Gakharia's party of aligning themselves politically with the opposition United National Movement (UNM).

Speaking during a plenary session of parliament, Gorduladze said representatives of the party were effectively part of what he described as the "collective National Movement" and argued that their public statements demonstrated political inconsistency.

The ruling party lawmaker criticised claims that freedom of speech and expression are being restricted in Georgia, arguing that opponents had failed to provide concrete examples of individuals being penalised solely for expressing their views.

Gorduladze also referred to legal proceedings involving former prime minister Giorgi Gakharia, accusing him of avoiding accountability over allegations related to the use of force against demonstrators ინ 2019.

He further criticised Gakharia's decision to resign as prime minister in 2021 during a dispute over the arrest of opposition politician Nika Melia, claiming the move weakened state institutions.

The ruling party MP also alleged that members of Gakharia's party had cooperated with the UNM in municipal councils and participated in broader political campaigns against the government.

Gorduladze rejected assertions of democratic backsliding in Georgia and questioned whether Gakharia shared similar concerns while serving as prime minister.