Ex-PM Gakharia’s party ‘ready” for debates ‘despite ruling party’s control’ of format

Members of the opposition party Gakharia For Georgia have said they will participate in upcoming political debates, even if the ruling party, Georgian Dream, imposes restrictive or heavily controlled formats.

Giorgi Sharashidze, a party member, said Georgian Dream has repeatedly declined invitations to debates in the past and is likely to design a format favourable to itself, with preferred media, handpicked experts, and secondary speakers rather than the party leadership.

“Despite the fact that Georgian Dream does not genuinely support debates or democratic processes, it is still correct for us to engage in debates to challenge them on their own turf and inform the public about their propaganda,” Sharashidze said.

He added that the party’s leader, Giorgi Gakharia, would only debate former Prime Minister and the ruling party honorary chair Bidzina Ivanishvili. 

Sharashidze said the opposition would remain prepared for debates, whether in person or remotely, stressing the importance of reaching the electorate and countering misinformation.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said this week that the public should have the opportunity to hear all groups seeking to enter the government to make informed choices.