“Municipal elections are already difficult. Running in two elections simultaneously is an enormous challenge for any political party—government or opposition,” Giorgi Gakharia, chairman of the For Georgia party, told journalists.

Gakharia commented on former President Salome Zourabichvili’s suggestion that parliamentary elections should either be held before local elections or, if that’s not possible, be held together.

According to Gakharia, early parliamentary elections are necessary.

“In the current Georgian political landscape, new parliamentary elections are crucial to easing tensions and preventing further radicalization. I believe that the Georgian Dream is most eager to hold these elections, asserting that the opposition is dismantled and that they will secure victory once again. Conversely, the opposition insists they can win. So, what’s the underlying issue?

Regarding the idea of holding parliamentary and municipal elections simultaneously, my stance is that parliamentary elections are essential, and I would prefer they be held sooner. Having participated in these elections before, I understand how demanding municipal elections could be. Conducting both simultaneously presents a significant challenge for political parties, the government, and the opposition alike. Is it the right decision? Perhaps, if no better option is available,” he stated.

On the issue of parliamentary mandates, Gakharia emphasized his party had a consistent approach.

“For Georgia party maintains a pragmatic, thoughtful, and consistent policy. We are currently boycotting Parliament. Both the government and the opposition have misjudged our stance. Some said we would eventually legitimize the Georgian Dream by entering Parliament. Our policy is pragmatic, consistent, and deliberate. We don’t flip our position 180 degrees. That’s why I say we are boycotting the 11th convocation of Parliament. If anything changes, we won’t hide it. We don’t act in secret or deliver surprises—we do everything openly. In the modern world, the focus of responsible politicians should be to overcome the key problem in Georgia: radicalization. The global rules are shifting, and we must recognize that.

For example, I saw the reactions to the Weimar Triangle’s statement—how can you respond like that to a message from the leaders of countries you claim to want to join? There are phones, embassies, and confidential channels. When it suits them, they communicate behind closed doors. Then they claim, “Someone tried to drag us into war, but I can only tell you 20%—if I say more, you’ll go crazy.” We all have a role in reducing radicalization. Ultimately, politicians’ primary responsibility is to serve and protect the people,” Gakharia concluded.