MP Mikanadze alleges foreign influence behind opposition fragmentation ahead of elections

Givi Mikanadze, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science and Youth Affairs from the ruling Georgian Dream party, has claimed that external forces were orchestrating a strategy to fragment the country’s opposition “in an attempt to mislead voters” ahead of municipal elections this autumn. 

Speaking on the political talk show Gamis Kurieri on Monday, Mikanadze accused foreign actors of attempting to distance certain opposition groups from the United National Movement (UNM), Georgia’s largest opposition party and former ruling force between 2004-2012. 

“It seems that external forces have made a decision to divide their players - the United National Movement - and to present others as separate, unconnected political forces,” Mikanadze claimed, singling out the Lelo for Georgia party and Gakharia for Georgia, led by former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia.

Mikanadze alleged that the parties were being positioned to appear independent of the UNM in order to “siphon off opposition votes.”

 “This is a deliberate attempt to deceive the public,” he said. “They want to present themselves as something new, as if they are disconnected from even [former President] Mikheil Saakashvili.”

The MP pointed to past political actions and affiliations as evidence of continued links between the opposition factions. He specifically cited Gakharia’s 2021 resignation as prime minister, which he said was based on his refusal to arrest UNM leader Nika Melia - a decision that, according to Mikanadze, reflected a deeper alignment.

“The commission’s [parliamentary investigation commission on alleged crimes under the UNM] work has shown clearly how leaders of Lelo, in particular, are connected to these processes,” he added. “This isn’t just about political competition - it’s about manufacturing a perception of independence and moderation, while in fact pursuing a shared radical agenda.”

Mikanadze suggested that the alleged strategy formed part of a broader plan to manipulate public perception and create a political "turning point" in Georgia. He warned that such manoeuvres could destabilise the political landscape and mislead voters during upcoming elections.