Members of Georgia’s ruling party, the Georgian Dream, have lambasted former President Salome Zourabichvili’s recent call for a coalition government, a proposal she put forward following a meeting between the Resistance Platform, uniting as she puts it pro-European forces, and EU ambassadors.
“We must be prepared not only for parliamentary elections but also for the very next day—a coalition government,” Zourabichvili declared after the meeting.
In response, Levan Makhashvili, Chairman of the Parliament’s European Integration Committee, remarked: “They can prepare for whatever they want. Let them prepare for bad weather, rain, the feast of St. Mary, or St. George’s Day—it’s entirely up to them. We’re focusing on local self-government elections and have never ceased engaging with citizens. How ambitious their plans will be is their concern. They’ve already uttered so many unrealistic statements that nothing they say in the future will surprise us.”
Tbilisi Mayor and Secretary General of the Georgian Dream party Kakha Kaladze echoed this dismissiveness, criticizing opposition disunity.
“First, a coalition requires public support, which they utterly lack. Just look at how fragmented they are, insulting and cursing one another,” Kaladze said.
“Salome Zourabichvili was only useful to them when she held presidential status. Now, you see how they treat her. I’m not interested in their statements, platforms, or meetings—who they meet with or how. We have our own vision and plan, and we’re preparing for the elections. Local self-government elections are particularly significant, and we anticipate continued strong support from the Georgian people.”
David Matikashvili, Chairman of the Parliamentary Procedural Issues Committee, asserted that “there is no chance of forming a coalition government because the radical opposition has minimal public support. They stand no chance of participating actively in governance, even at the municipal level. In fact, the opposition is likely to face defeat in all 64 municipalities, as reflected in current ratings.”
Irakli Kirtskhalia, a member of the parliamentary majority, dismissed Zourabichvili’s statement as “tragicomic and unserious,” especially after she met with the diplomatic corps.
“I am convinced that Salome Zourabichvili’s statement is part of some specific plan or assignment. That’s why her remarks are both tragic and unserious. How can I take seriously someone who calls herself president?” Kirtskhalia questioned.
Levan Machavariani, Deputy Chairman of the Georgian Dream faction, offered a more personal critique.
“It’s evident that Salome Zourabichvili lives in a parallel world. I usually avoid commenting on her because she is an older lady, and it’s unfortunate that she still dwells in such a fantasy. If you asked her, she might claim she is the president of Georgia today. Had she been younger, I might be more critical of her statements, but out of respect for age and women, I refrain. The truth is, Salome Zourabichvili resides in a parallel universe.”
Archil Gorduladze, Chairman of the Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee, was particularly harsh.
“It appears that Salome Zourabichvili is announcing yet another “patio for gatherings”. We all know how this story ends. They will be defeated once again in their futile resistance against the Georgian people.”
Gorduladze further stated that “since 2012, the so-called collective ‘National Movement’ has had no real chance of returning to power due to their destructive and criminal actions. Their prospects are zero in any election. The local agents and their patrons are desperately fighting against the Georgian people because they lack genuine support.”
