According to Speaker of the Parliament Shalva Papuashvili, the opposition should not expect success in the upcoming local elections. He emphasised that they understand the government’s responsibility is to act based on external instructions, while the government solely trusts the Georgian people.

Papuashvili criticised the opposition for relying on foreign guidance.

“How can the opposition, standing on one leg before a foreigner, hope to succeed in the elections? It’s natural—they’re promising voters only what they can: acting on outside recommendations or instructions. Currently, the opposition and NGO sector criticise the Georgian government for not doing exactly what the European Commission’s Assistant Press Secretary has said. At this level, they understand the government’s true responsibility. We, on the other hand, trust only the Georgian people. That’s what they find problematic,” said Shalva Papuashvili.

He also said two opposition parties—Lelo and Gakharia for Georgia—are preparing for the elections and issuing instructions in the regions, which he claims is a deception of voters.

“I know for sure that Lelo and Gakharia for Georgia are not only preparing but have already begun active campaigning and regional directives. It’s ludicrous—they’re deceiving their supporters by presenting themselves as revolutionaries while organising and mobilising for the elections. In such a small country, especially during local self-government elections, these activities are visible and transparent. Everyone can see what’s happening,” Papuashvili asserted.