Ex-PM Gakharia signs President-proposed Georgian Charter, joins opposition’s reform commitment

Giorgi Gakharia, leader of the Gakharia for Georgia opposition party and former Prime Minister, on Monday officially signed the Georgian Charter, an initiative launched by President Salome Zourabichvili.

The signing took place this morning, marking a significant development as Gakharia for Georgia was the only major opposition party that had previously refrained from endorsing the charter. Other opposition parties, including Girchi and the Labor Party, have also not signed the document.

Gakharia’s party said by signing the charter, they accepted the political obligation to implement the reforms outlined within it. The Georgian Charter, introduced by the President on May 26, encompasses reforms across more than ten key areas. Parties that sign the charter commit to fulfilling its conditions if they secure victory in the upcoming parliamentary elections.

President Zourabichvili claimed the charter reflected the demands and aspirations of Georgian society. Signatory parties pledge to meet the conditions specified in the charter before the end of the first spring session. Following this, early parliamentary elections are to be held under “free and fair conditions”, with the implementation plan overseen by the President.

The majority of opposition parties signed the Georgian Charter on June 3, signaling a collective commitment to reform in the lead-up to the elections.