Kobakhidze defends presidential candidate, says opposition’s ‘aggression’ proves it was right choice

Acting Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, defended the nomination of Mikheil Kavelashvili by the ruling Georgian Dream party as the country’s presidential candidate, stating that the opposition’s aggressive reaction only affirmed the correctness of the selection.

Speaking on Imedi TV, Kobakhidze argued that while no one individual could immediately resolve the issue of political polarization, a non-partisan president like Kavelashvili could help steer the country towards unity and stability.

Kobakhidze criticized the opposition’s response, which he called a ‘campaign of hatred rather than genuine criticism.’ He referenced the past smear campaign against current President Salome Zourabichvili, suggesting that once she shifted her position, the opposition immediately elevated her to hero status. According to Kobakhidze, their reaction was a clear sign that his political team had made the right choice in backing Kavelashvili, with their aggressive response reinforcing that he was indeed the best candidate for the job.