Georgian Dream MP accuses opposition of foreign influence, defends electoral legitimacy

A member of Georgia’s ruling party has accused the opposition of being influenced from abroad, amid an ongoing exchange of criticism between political factions in parliament.

Speaking during a parliamentary session, Levan Machavariani, First Deputy Chair of the Georgian Dream faction, said what he described as the “radical opposition” is externally driven and therefore lacks public support.

He said the ruling party would be replaced through elections “when the time comes,” but argued that any future government should be composed of political forces prioritising national sovereignty and free from foreign influence.

Machavariani also criticised opposition parties’ electoral performance, claiming their support base has declined significantly since 2024, which he attributed to public disillusionment.

Responding to remarks about Hungary, he rejected suggestions that the ruling party had distanced itself from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, instead expressing gratitude for what he described as Hungary’s support for Georgia.