Ruling party MP points to “radical opposition” lobbyists over Senator’s critical comments

Irma Zavradashvili, an MP of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Thursday said that the recent critical comments by US Senator Jeanne Shaheen over “backsliding” of Georgian democracy was the result of the actions by lobbyists of the radical wing of the domestic opposition 

She claimed that the quality of democracy is “unprecedentedly high in Georgia”

“The most important thing for me is what I see every day – the level of democracy is at an all-time-high in Georgia. Therefore, any statement that contradicts what I see is unacceptable. These are the decisions and remarks made by specific individuals, lobbyists of the radical opposition,” said Zavradashvili.

She also stated that the presence of lobbyists “does not mean the opposition is strong”. 

“It is my dream to have a strong opposition. The presence of a powerful opposition is in the interests of any democratic authorities. If you have someone who considers your specific interest, does it necessarily mean that you are powerful? The European Commissioner has come and openly noted all the successes and advantages that the country has achieved under the current government”, said the MP.  

She claimed that the current authorities were working “round the clock” to meet the conditions for the European Union membership candidate status. 

“There are issues, however, where the involvement of the opposition is necessary. I still have a very high hope that they will change their minds and join the work”, said the legislator. 

As for the second reading of the de-oligarchization bill without sending the draft to the Council of Europe Venice Commission, the MP stated that they would consider the review sent for Ukraine over the similar law. 

“Ukraine has forwarded the law to the Venice Commission and they are waiting for their response, we are also waiting for this conclusion. The law is identical, therefore we will take into account the feedback for Ukraine”, said Zavradashvili.