Nika Gvaramia, a leader in the opposition Coalition for Change, has claimed that Bidzina Ivanishvili, honorary chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, had signaled a willingness to negotiate amid ongoing post-election tensions.
Speaking for domestic media, Gvaramia alleged that the overture included sidelining Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze from political discourse, but firmly rejected any talks outside the scope of re-elections and a peaceful transfer of power.
“There will be no negotiations with the Georgian Dream. Discussions can only occur regarding new elections,” Gvaramia said, adding that Ivanishvili’s proposal was communicated indirectly through representatives abroad.
The claim comes amid mounting protests in Tbilisi following the Central Election Commission’s certification of the October 26 parliamentary election results, which the opposition has denounced as rigged.
According to the official tally, Georgian Dream secured 53.93% of the vote, translating to 89 parliamentary mandates.
Opposition parties and activists have rejected these results, staging demonstrations on Chavchavadze Avenue, with demands for re-elections and allegations of electoral fraud.
Gvaramia criticized Kobakhidze and his government, asserting they lacked legitimacy and relevance in political discourse. “Kobakhidze does not represent anything for us. Ivanishvili’s attempts to negotiate are meaningless unless they address the call for re-elections,” he said.
The demonstrations in Tbilisi, organized by opposition parties, began on November 17 with protesters erecting tents and blocking major streets, including Chavchavadze Avenue and Melikishvili Avenue. Organizers have vowed to continue the 24-hour protest until their demands are met.
Meanwhile, Kobakhidze stated that the newly elected parliament would convene on November 25, as stipulated by the Georgian Constitution, dismissing opposition claims of illegitimacy. “The parliament does not need the opposition’s recognition for its legitimacy in any country,” Kobakhidze remarked, expressing confidence that opposition members would eventually join parliamentary proceedings.
