“Regardless of the contrived format proposed by Georgian Dream, we must take part in the debates,” stated MP Giorgi Sharashidze, a member of the Gakharia for Georgia party.

According to Sharashidze, the party believes it is essential to contest for the support of Georgian Dream’s electorate.

“Over the years, only our team has made multiple proposals for debates to Georgian Dream. Up until now, they have refused any form of debate. We do not yet know what format they will ultimately choose. Naturally, it will not be an uncomfortable format for them. They will do everything possible to ensure the debates are convenient for themselves: using their television channels, their hired experts, and satellite opposition. They will invite philosophers, so-called opposition figures from parliament, People’s Power, and the European Socialists, not to mention other non-parliamentary parties like Neutral Georgia, and so on.
Georgian Dream will go to great lengths to prevent key speakers, such as Kobakhidze, Kaladze, and others, from participating, instead opting to feature second-tier speakers.

Although Georgian Dream has little genuine interest in real debates or democratic processes, preferring instead to stage and simulate them, we still believe it is right to contest for their electorate. No matter what contrived format Georgian Dream devises, we must participate in the debates so we can stand face-to-face with them, on their turf, and tell the truth. We want to expose that all their propaganda is built on lies, slander, disinformation, and fairy tales. I do not expect them to sit down with us in a genuine debate, because if Georgian Dream fears anyone today, it is first and foremost Gakharia and his team. But we will wait and see. In any case, we are ready for debates,” Sharashidze affirmed.

When asked about party leader Giorgi Gakharia’s participation in debates, Sharashidze stated that for Gakharia, the only opponent will be Bidzina Ivanishvili.

“Debates could also be held remotely. It’s still a bit early to talk about debates involving Giorgi Gakharia. For him, the sole opponent will be Bidzina Ivanishvili. Of course, Gakharia will not sit down for debates with Irakli Kobakhidze. I’m sure you understand that perfectly well,” Sharashidze added.

Georgia’s Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has emphasised that for the Georgian people to make informed decisions, they must be allowed to hear the positions of all groups aspiring to power.

“We have a duty to restore the people’s right to participate in debates and to prevent informal forces and their ‘Georgian’ agencies from imposing their own agenda on us,” Kobakhidze stated.