Georgian PM: lack of independent democratic system has prevented formation of 'healthy opposition'

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Friday said domestic political opposition was shaped “from outside the country”, claiming that foreign influence had prevented the development of a “fully independent democratic system” and “healthy” political competition.

Speaking on POSTV, Kobakhidze argued that true democratic competition - analogous to market principles - would naturally refine political quality, but instead, he alleged, opposition parties, their messaging and leadership were created and coordinated externally.

The Prime Minister noted figures such as Lelo – Strong Georgia leader Mamuka Khazaradze and Giga Bokeria, a leader of the Federalists political movement, would not have gained political prominence under “genuine domestic competition”, calling them “externally appointed” and out of line with Georgian values.

Kobakhidze also said Georgia was “forced into cohabitation” after 2012, which he claimed kept the political system locked in a “vicious circle” that prevented new opposition forces from emerging.

He linked the Government’s push to ban three opposition parties to efforts aimed at dismantling what he described as “unhealthy, foreign-linked political structures”, asserting that once such parties were removed, the political environment would allow organically formed opposition groups to emerge.

“If we want a healthy democratic political system in Georgia, this is the only way,” he said, adding that otherwise the country will remain “stuck in the same closed cycle”.