Petre Tsiskarishvili, the Secretary General of the United National Movement opposition, on Wednesday criticized the inclusion of renowned athletes like Lasha Talakhadze and Geno Petriashvili on the Georgian Dream election list, claiming it had damaged their reputations.
He suggested instead of elevating the ruling party’s electoral image, the athletes had “become victims” of reputational attacks, which had “tarnished” their standing. Tsiskarishvili also raised questions about their future role in politics, wondering whether they would remain with the ruling party or possibly join a potential coalition government after the October 26 general elections, “primarily composed of the current opposition”.
Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Executive Secretary of Georgian Dream, has condemned the “fascist bullying” by the opposition, particularly targeting Talakhadze, Petriashvili, and Lika Shartava, granddaughter of national hero Zhiuli Shartava.
Mdinaradze stressed despite the criticism, the candidates remained “resilient, committed to serving their country with patriotism and dignity”.
He also accused the opposition of “bitterness and desperation, resorting to attacks on successful figures joining Georgian Dream’s ranks”.
Mdinaradze also contrasted the ruling party’s ability to attract new faces with the opposition, which he claimed lacked the resources for renewal and continued to rely on individuals with criminal records.
