Grigol Gegelia: It is a cynical message that, on Russia’s orders, political parties are being abolished, while simultaneously an individual is appointed—tasked with "warming up" relations with Russia - this is a continuation of the policy of Russification

"On the very day that five independent, pro-European political forces in this country are being abolished—on Russia’s orders—the so-called Prime Minister has announced a new appointment, in a move that is a textbook example of Russian-style cynicism. It is a blatantly cynical message: political parties are being dissolved at Russia’s behest, and on that same day, an individual is appointed to 'warm up' relations with Russia," stated Grigol Gegelia, one of the leaders of the Strong Georgia – Lelo coalition, in response to the appointment of Giorgi Zurabashvili as the Prime Minister of Georgia’s Special Representative for Relations with Russia.

According to Gegelia, this represents "a continuation of the policy of Russification."

"Let us consider once again that the regime—which has effectively dismantled relations with virtually every European Union member state, as well as with the United States—prioritizes political rapprochement with Russia. On the very day that five independent, pro-European political forces in this country are being abolished—at the behest of Russia—the so-called Prime Minister announced this appointment. It is a classic example of Russian-style cynicism: parties are being dissolved on Moscow’s orders, and on that very same day, an individual is appointed—in perfect synchronization—tasked with warming up relations with Russia. Zurabishvili is not the first person to be appointed to this position; this is a continuation of the personnel policy this administration has pursued for years. However, the timing of today’s appointment is, of course, highly revealing. It demonstrates the Kobakhidze administration’s desire to entwine our state as closely as possible with Russia; it is a continuation and manifestation of a policy of Russification. Ultimately, this is steering Georgia—at a rapid pace—toward becoming an insignificant, corrupt [entity] of Russia... a satellite of the swamp," stated Gegelia.