Cosmetic changes won’t save opposition, ruling party MP

The Chairman of the Georgian Parliament’s European Integration Committee,on Monday said the opposition had faced “serious challenges” after the recent local elections and warned that “cosmetic changes” in names, slogans, or party branding would no longer work.

“The time has come for the opposition not only to change its policies or direction but to transform many things fundamentally,” Makhashvili said. “Cosmetic changes won’t help them - we’ve seen this many times in recent years when they changed names, forms, and colors. The public has become much more demanding, knowledgeable, and aware. Changing a party name or banner is no longer enough; this approach simply doesn’t work anymore.”

The MP further noted the opposition “must rethink its overall attitude” and vision if it wanted to remain relevant ahead of the 2028 parliamentary elections.

“If the current situation does not mark their political end, they are still facing serious problems. Cosmetic changes won’t save them -they must clearly change their mindset and outlook. Otherwise, 2028 will bring the same result - or even a better one for Georgian Dream,” he added.