President Challenges Georgian Dream in Parliamentary Address

By Malkhaz Matsaberidze

Monday, February 19, 2024

The president took the initiative to establish a special 'unity platform' aimed at accelerating the country's European integration efforts. While the President's speech faced criticism from the Georgian Dream, it garnered support from a significant portion of the opposition.

Salome Zourabichvili's speech was eagerly anticipated across the political spectrum. However, the Georgian Dream has chosen to disregard the president following the unsuccessful impeachment attempt. This disregard was evident as parliamentarians did not rise when Zourabichvili entered the session hall, and during her speech, journalists observed them making mocking faces and showing disinterest.

A number of questions were expected to be answered after Salome Zourabichvili's speech. One central question was about Zourabichvili's relationship with Bidzina Ivanishvili. The president's heated confrontation with the Georgian Dream has been going on for a long time, but without mentioning Bidzina Ivanishvili.

After Bidzina Ivanishvili's return to politics, Zourabichvili did not make any comments in this regard. Bidzina Ivanishvili, who returned to politics, did not criticise Zourabichvili. Therefore, some expected that Zourabichvili's speech in the parliament would be more moderate than before, which would confirm the version about the secret connection between Zourabichvili and Ivanishvili.

Salome Zourabichvili put an end to this version with her speech. She asked several questions to Bidzina Ivanishvili, as the real ruler of the country, about what the statements made after his return to politics on the existing corruption meant. She asked about the country's foreign policy and also noted that the society expects an answer from Ivanishvili as to how and when he intends to transition from the "one-party, one-person and vertical model" of governance to the "democratic, European model", asking when the real transformation of the judicial system would take place.

Following the president's statement, the Georgian Dream launched a fresh wave of criticism, accusing the president of aligning with the opposition and speaking as if she were one of its leaders. There has been long standing speculation that Salome Zourabichvili might resign from the presidency and assume a leadership role within one of the opposition blocs as the parliamentary elections draw near.

This scenario might have been desirable for the Georgian Dream. Under the new rule, the electoral college, consisting of 150 parliamentarians and 150 representatives from self-governments, would elect the Georgian Dream's preferred candidate as president. In the best-case scenario, Zourabichvili could potentially surpass the 5% threshold with her bloc.

In her parliamentary address, Zourabichvili definitively stated her intention to serve out her term, ruling out any early resignation. She affirmed her commitment to remain in office until the end, at which point, following the election of a new parliament as stipulated by the existing constitution, the question of selecting a new president will be addressed. Experts laud Zourabichvili's decision, recognizing that her continued presence as president will play a crucial role in ensuring the democratic integrity of the upcoming elections and maintaining the country's European orientation.

Zourabichvili's latest initiative, dubbed "the formula for getting out of the deadlock", urges all pro-Western forces to collaborate on establishing a 'unity platform for Europe' to secure the country's European future. As part of this initiative, the president is tasked with setting up a coordination centre to consolidate "all concrete proposals on European priorities". However, Giorgi Gakharia's party outright rejected the president's offer from the outset, citing their unwillingness to engage in any unity that involves the National Movement. On the other hand, other opposition parties have not dismissed the possibility of initiating consultations with the president regarding this matter.

Representatives from Lelo and Japaridze's Girchi have already held a meeting with the president. However, several experts remain sceptical about the potential success of this union. Similar initiatives have been proposed by Zourabichvili in the past, but they have not yielded significant results.

This time, there are declarations emphasising that the aim isn't merely the consolidation of parties or the formation of a coalition, but rather the unity of the nation towards a European future. The envisioned union would revolve around shared principles, potentially culminating in the creation of a common document. This document would garner support not only from political parties but also from representatives of civil society. A number of opposition forces, first of all the National Movement who came to the president, may actively raise the issue of Mikheil Saakashvili's pardon.

As the parliamentary elections draw near, it's imperative for the pro-Western opposition to determine their strategy for participation. The existing rules present challenges, particularly the unchanged 5% threshold. Votes for opposition parties that fall below this threshold effectively contribute to the Georgian Dream's electoral piggy bank..

According to current assessments, experts identify three opposition blocs that are likely to aim to surpass the 5% threshold. The first is the National Movement, which, despite internal divisions, remains a significant opposition entity capable of surpassing the barrier. The second bloc is associated with the party of former Prime Minister Gakharia. Lastly, the third bloc comprises pro-Western opposition parties that are not associated with either the National Movement or Gakharia's party.

Melia, along with his supporters from the National Movement, and Nika Gvaramia are speculated to be part of this bloc, although definitive decisions have yet to materialise. Despite this, the Georgian Dream persists in its rhetoric of an impending victory, previously claiming a 60% win and now raising expectations to 75%.