Georgian Dream leader defends Russia policy, accuses opposition of acting against ‘national interests’

Georgian Dream parliamentary majority leader Irakli Kirtskhalia has defended the government's approach towards Russia, arguing that maintaining economic relations did not contradict Georgia's position on the country's occupation, while accusing the opposition of acting against national interests.

Speaking at a briefing on Wednesday, Kirtskhalia rejected criticism that the ruling party avoids confronting Russia, pointing to judgments by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) against Moscow in cases related to the 2008 Russia-Georgia war.

"If we were not speaking about Russia, how would these Strasbourg judgments have been delivered against Russia?" Kirtskhalia said, arguing that the current government had restored the dignity of Georgian soldiers through its legal efforts in international courts.

He reiterated the government's position that Russia remains the occupying power, controlling approximately 20% of Georgia's internationally recognised territory, and said any future dialogue with Moscow would have to begin with the issue of de-occupation.

Kirtskhalia also accused the former United National Movement (UNM) government of responsibility for the outcome of the 2008 war, alleging that it had harmed Georgia's national interests through its decisions before and during the conflict.

Addressing Georgia's economic ties with Russia, the ruling party lawmaker said critics had urged Tbilisi to sever all economic relations with Moscow following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, while other countries continued trading with Russia.

He argued that countries including China and states in Central Asia were actively seeking strategic and economic partnerships with Russia, while some European countries had since acknowledged the importance of maintaining energy relations with Moscow.

Kirtskhalia also dismissed Georgia's opposition parties as a rebranded extension of the UNM rather than genuine political alternatives.

He claimed the opposition had attempted five revolutions since 2020, including four involving violence, but did not provide evidence for the allegation.

The Georgian Dream leader said the country needed a "healthy opposition" based on national values rather than what he described as "agents" acting on behalf of foreign interests. Opposition parties have consistently rejected accusations that they serve external actors.