Kirtskhalia Says Opposition Infighting Driven by Shrinking Funding, Rejects Claims of Georgian Dream Crisis

Georgia’s Parliamentary Majority Leader and Georgian Dream faction chairman Irakli Kirtskhalia has rejected opposition claims that the ruling party is facing an internal crisis, arguing that its handling of corruption allegations demonstrates political strength rather than weakness.

Speaking on Imedi LIVE, Kirtskhalia made the remarks while responding to opposition criticism surrounding letters attributed to former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili.

“They are not politicians, and this is precisely why we say so. How can it be considered a sign of weakness when you have declared a fight against corruption and are politically strong enough to make it clear that no public office can serve as immunity from corruption or any other crime? And they are telling us that this is weakness?” Kirtskhalia said.

He also criticised the opposition’s performance in the 2024 parliamentary elections and accused foreign diplomats and politicians of interfering in the pre-election environment.

“We can see how much public confidence they actually have. They managed to mislead a certain segment of society during the 2024 elections, when this entire machine was operating throughout the election campaign,” he said.

Kirtskhalia alleged that the EU ambassador, ambassadors from major European Union member states and foreign politicians had contributed to what he described as efforts to create false perceptions among Georgian voters.

“They were directly involved in the election campaign. Nor should we forget the previous US administration and the foundations it laid. Despite all of this, they still secured only 60 seats, still failed to convince the public and were subsequently instructed to give up those mandates as well,” he said.

Asked what Georgia’s opposition represents today, Kirtskhalia said rival opposition groups were now competing over reduced sources of funding.

“We are watching the agents turn against one another as they compete to divide up reduced funding following changes to our legislative framework. Even the scripts provided by their patrons have become outdated,” he said.

Kirtskhalia rejected the notion that Georgia has several genuinely distinct opposition forces, instead describing them collectively as an extension of the United National Movement.

“There are no different parties. This is the collective United National Movement,” he said.