PM sets Georgian ruling party target ahead of local elections

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has outlined a goal for the ruling Georgian Dream party in the upcoming, October 4 local elections, pledging victory in every municipality and city assembly across the country.

Speaking to journalists in Bakhmaro, western Georgia, Kobakhidze said the party’s “clear objective” was to win all 64 mayoral seats and all 64 municipal city assemblies, as well as securing a first-round victory in Tbilisi. He also set a target of at least 38 seats out of 50 in the Tbilisi City Assembly.

“I am confident that we will fully achieve the objectives in every direction,” the prime minister said.

Kobakhidze added that the opposition would still have opportunities to form factions in local city assemblies, suggesting they could play a role in municipal politics even if outnumbered.