Debates are an integral part of democracy, and we are always ready for public and open discussion. That is why we are in parliament today, the party “Gakharia for Georgia” said in a statement.

According to the party, “If Georgian Dream does not dare to sit down for debates on its own television channel without satellite parties, this will be yet another mistake.”

“Our position on debates is unequivocal - debates are an inseparable part of democracy, and we are always ready for public and open discussion. That is why we are in parliament today. Unfortunately, it was ‘Georgian Dream’ itself that refused debates, especially ahead of elections, when it shut down its own television channels to differing opinions and turned them into propaganda outlets.

Of course, we welcome opening debates on these channels. However, we remind the authorities that the significance of debates is determined by their format and content. What Rustavi 2 offered us as debates on February 2, where ‘Georgian Dream’ requires the presence of its own satellite parties, is not a debate but a farce and a continuation of propaganda.

If ‘Georgian Dream’ does not dare to hold debates on its own television channel without satellite parties, this will be another mistake.

Once again, we confirm that we are ready to engage in live debates - one-on-one or in any other appropriate format - with representatives of the ruling party on any television channel, to discuss any issue of relevance to the citizens of Georgia,” the statement by “Gakharia for Georgia” reads.