Maia Kopaleishvili: The positions of 'Lelo' and Gakharia’s party regarding participation in the local self-government elections are unclear – these two political parties are essentially playing along in the 'Georgian Dream’s' game

The fact that the positions of 'Lelo' and Gakharia’s party regarding participation in the local self-government elections are unclear is precisely the result of a lack of firmness and consistency on the part of these two parties specifically, and from the opposition as a whole – these two political parties and groups are essentially playing along in the ‘Georgian Dream’s’ game," Maia Kopaleishvili, a member of the “Coalition for Change,” told Palitra News.

According to her assessment, society sees this, and collectively, trust in the opposition is diminishing.

“The regime must be evaluated by the criteria and accompanying aspects that are characteristic of a regime. We must fight consistently and firmly – this is why it’s important for every opposition party to be consistent and firm. For example, the fact that ‘Lelo’ and Gakharia’s party have an unclear position regarding participation in the local self-government elections is precisely the result of a lack of firmness and consistency on the part of these two parties specifically. This is what ‘Georgian Dream’ feeds on. Society sees this, and collectively, trust in the opposition is being lost, while our coalition consistently and firmly follows through on its statements and has not joined any game with ‘Georgian Dream.’ These two political parties and groups are essentially playing along in ‘Georgian Dream’s’ game. So how can we say that the opposition is consistent? This is why I understand those people who view the opposition with suspicion, but I want to ask them: along with viewing the opposition with suspicion – which alone is not enough – they should also strengthen their pressure on those parties that are inconsistent and unsteady and are planning to join ‘Georgian Dream’s’ game in some pseudo-packaged local self-government elections provided for by the constitution. Let them name even one dictatorial, autocratic regime – like the one that has essentially been formalized here now – where the constitution is truly functioning. A constitution is just a document written on paper if it is not implemented by state institutions. Therefore, I also want to address these political parties: step out of these pseudo-packaged talks – they will not be able to legitimize themselves with these pseudo-packaged narratives anyway. Take care of the country and do not join ‘Georgian Dream’ in its political games,” said Kopaleishvili.