For us and our political team, this move came as no surprise within the type of autocracy Georgian Dream has created. If 'Georgian Dream' believes this decision will make us abandon raising critical questions, issuing sharp statements, or voicing the sentiments of tens of thousands of Georgian citizens, they are sorely mistaken," Giorgi Sharashidze, a leader of the Gakharia for Georgia party, stated regarding the inclusion of their party on the list of parties facing a potential ban.

According to him, this move by Georgian Dream demonstrates that even the sole parliamentary opposition party—representing a dissenting opinion and the voice of Georgian citizens within parliament—is unacceptable to them.

"On the contrary, following this decision, we will continue the fight against Georgian Dream with even greater determination, and they knew this well.

Why now? Why today? - I would like to remind you that, with rare exceptions, we were the only political force to speak out loudly and actively about the annexation processes currently unfolding in Samachablo—Georgia’s historical territory. Today is September 15th, and so-called elections are scheduled for September 18th; in all likelihood, the winner will be a direct representative of Putin—a high-ranking official sent from the Kremlin. This signifies that Russia is now formally cementing its occupation of our historical territory. The fact that our team is speaking out about this and demanding the adoption of a relevant parliamentary resolution explains the timing of our actions. Georgian Dream, meanwhile, has chosen a path of criminal and treasonous silence. Naturally, a state-minded political team like ours does not suit them. It does not suit them because they know we are the only political force currently insisting that this occupation requires a proper political assessment. We are the only team that has begun addressing citizens' social issues—ranging from the minimum wage to pensions and various other initiatives. We have had numerous such heated confrontations with Georgian Dream. If they think they can stop us or force us to back down, they are sorely mistaken. If you listen to the comments made by Georgian Dream representatives, you will clearly see that they are completely confused and do not know how to justify this decision, as their statements lack any logic whatsoever," Sharashidze stated.

When asked about the form their struggle would take—specifically whether they intended to employ a boycott—Sharashidze replied that while Georgian Dream might very well wish for them to cease parliamentary activities—whether through a boycott or other means—they will not get that satisfaction.

"Georgian Dream might very well wish for us to stop our parliamentary work—be it through a boycott or any other method—but they will not get that satisfaction!

That may be their desire, but it is not the will or the mandate of the Georgian people," Sharashidze declared.

Notably, "Georgian Dream" also intends to appeal to the Constitutional Court regarding a ban on the "Gakharia for Georgia" party. Majority leader Irakli Kirtskhalia announced this at a briefing following yesterday's meeting of the parliamentary majority. A constitutional lawsuit will be submitted to the Constitutional Court this week, with the party of former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia joining as a co-plaintiff.