Georgian Dream Leaders Dismiss Gakharia's Debate Challenge as Absurd
On January 13, Irakli Kobakhidze, the Chairman of the Georgian Dream, responded on social media to an invitation from Giorgi Gakharia, the chairman of the For Georgia party, for a debate with Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chairman of the Georgian Dream.
Kobakhidze dismissed Gakharia's proposal, highlighting the perceived absurdity of the invitation. According to Kobakhidze, Gakharia, as the leader of a '2-percent party,' lacks credibility and should address unresolved issues within his own party before engaging in debates. Kobakhidze argued that Gakharia should first address outstanding matters related to the failed 2021 elections, debts, and internal party conflicts. He criticized Gakharia for not having any questions about Gakharia's actions during the 'Basiani' incident, the confrontations between youth and police, and the alleged mishandling of evidence related to drug use during the 'Basiani' incident.
He continued to list various grievances against Gakharia, including his decisions regarding police actions in Mestia and the Pankisi Valley, his alleged discrediting of power structures, and his role in demanding the removal of Melia's immunity. The post raised questions about Gakharia's coalition with the United National Movement in certain municipalities and his perceived betrayal. Kobakhidze emphasized that the facts speak for themselves and declared Gakharia a traitor, asserting that Georgia is now more independent and sovereign without individuals like Gakharia in key positions. In conclusion, Kobakhidze advised Gakharia to focus on other activities rather than engaging in debates, suggesting involvement with individuals counting down the remaining months in the parliamentary game.
Moreover, Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of the Parliament, characterized the recent actions of Giorgi Gakharia and his party as reaching a point of absurdity and comedy. According to Papuashvili, the return of Bidzina Ivanishvili to Georgian politics has triggered widespread hysteria involving various factions of the United National Movement, including its branches like the "Lelo" and Gakharia's party. Papuashvili expressed his view that Gakharia's party, in its statements, behaviors, and overall style, has become laughable and resembles characters from a comic genre fiction or cartoon movie. He suggested that observing Gakharia's facial expressions could provide insight into the challenges and transformations associated with taking the renegade path. Papuashvili noted that individuals like Gakharia, who choose this path, often end up becoming comical figures. "In essence, he conveyed his perception that Gakharia's actions have diminished in seriousness and are now seen as comical by onlookers," he added.
Furthermore, Gia Volski, the First Deputy Speaker of the Parliament, ironically appreciated Giorgi Gakharia's offer of a debate with Bidzina Ivanishvili. According to him, Gakharia, while in the post of Prime Minister, challenged the country and its legal system to implement the revolutionary scenario. "Prime Minister [Giorgi Gakharia] defied his own country, defied the legal system without any reason. A revolutionary process was being prepared with the arrival of Saakashvili and his participation. Melia was preparing a platform to gather a critical mass to engage in a physical confrontation with law enforcement, and it would take several days. The Prime Minister [Gakharia] requested a few days for this preparation, and everything happened as the National Movement had written in the script," Volski said.
Additionally, Irakli Kadagishvili, the Committee on Procedural Issues and Rules chairman, said, "Giorgi was happy, then he hid and was afraid when there was one of the biggest attacks on the statehood of Georgia. This person has neither moral nor political right to talk about Bidzina Ivanishvili, let alone to demand a public debate. Gakharia's path once again clearly shows that human ingratitude and treachery have no limits. Because Gakharia's reputation and renown are at zero level, he should try to get back on the political surface by challenging Bidzina Ivanishvili. His provocative statements are also dictated from here."