Gakharia for Georgia party issues statement on debates

The Gakharia for Georgia party has issued a statement regarding the upcoming debates. As outlined in the statement, the party is fully prepared to engage in debates with representatives of the ruling party.

“Our stance on debates is unequivocal; they are an essential component of democracy, and we are always ready for open, public discussion. That is precisely why we are present in Parliament today. Regrettably, Georgian Dream has itself declined to participate in debates, particularly during the pre-election period, and has shut down its own television stations to dissenting opinions, transforming them into propaganda outlets.

Of course, we welcome the prospect of open debates on these channels; however, we must remind the government that the value of a debate depends on its format and substance. The proposal from Rustavi 2, suggesting a debate on February 2 involving Georgian Dream and its satellite parties, is nothing more than a farce, a continuation of propaganda rather than a genuine exchange of ideas.

If Georgian Dream refuses to hold a debate on its own television channel without the involvement of satellite parties, that would be yet another mistake.

We reaffirm our willingness to participate in one-on-one or any other suitable live debate format with representatives of the ruling party, to discuss issues of national importance for the citizens of Georgia, on any television channel,” the statement concludes.