Irakli Kirtskhalia: Georgian Dream’s Actual Support Is Twice as High as IRI Poll Suggests

Irakli Kirtskhalia, leader of the parliamentary majority and chairman of the Georgian Dream faction in parliament, says the ruling party’s actual approval rating is at least twice as high as the figures indicated in a recent International Republican Institute (IRI) survey.

Speaking on the Night Courier television programme, Kirtskhalia said Georgian Dream conducts its own regular polling, which, according to him, presents a significantly different picture of the political landscape.

“The figures are radically different and much higher. We are a political party, and not a small one. Naturally, we constantly keep our finger on the pulse and regularly conduct research into the political landscape, using different methodologies and different researchers,” Kirtskhalia said.

He added that regular polling allows the party to assess its standing throughout the year and argued that such research should be standard practice for any political organisation.

“The difference is substantial. I can say with confidence that our figures are at least twice as high as those presented there. That is the situation as of today, and it is hardly surprising,” he said.

Kirtskhalia went on to sharply criticise the government’s political opponents, referring to them as an “agent network” and alleging that they continue to receive support from external actors.

“When you look at the agent network that is still operating in our country and which, in any case, is being kept alive by its patrons through every available means and possible channel this is not surprising,” Kirtskhalia said.