Georgia’s ruling party official says opposition’s momentum faded after external funding restrictions

Irakli Kirtskhalia, the Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party’s parliamentary faction, responded to the opposition’s rally, saying that its so-called momentum had faded once external funding for the agent network was restricted.

In his remarks, Kirtskhalia claimed that the opposition’s rally had relied entirely on a prearranged agenda and illicit funding.

“There was a certain segment of the public that was, in a sense, led astray by false perceptions and fabricated scenarios, along with their patrons or handlers. And what did they do next? Essentially, through every action they took following the 2024 parliamentary elections - actions that were explained very clearly, accurately, and coherently today - they simply tore up and discarded the mandates granted to them by the public. They nullified the trust placed in them”, the official said.

He further noted that the opposition eventually entered Parliament but continued its activities through non-recognition and what he described as destructive behaviour.

Kirtskhalia also added that the turnout at the joint rally held by the five so-called agent-network factions the previous day was nothing new for them.