Georgian PM backs ban on three opposition parties

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has affirmed the necessity of banning three opposition parties, citing a lawsuit filed with the Constitutional Court of Georgia.

As reported by Caliber.Az with reference to Georgian media, Kobakhidze emphasised that these parties have repeatedly refused to recognise election results and have attempted to instigate revolutions aimed at overthrowing or violently altering the constitutional order.

“Each time these parties did not recognise the elections, to this is added five more attempts to organise a revolution, i.e., overthrow or violent change of the constitutional order over these years. Also, one of the pillars of the constitutional lawsuit is a constant attempt from outside to punish the government elected by the people, to punish the Georgian people, our state,” he stated.

On October 16, Georgia’s parliament, where the Georgian Dream party holds a majority, passed legislation allowing for the banning of political parties that threaten the constitutional order or independence and advocate violence.

Shalva Papuashvili, chairman of Georgian Dream in parliament, indicated that the United National Movement, Strong Georgia – Lelo, and For Change would be the first parties targeted under the new law.

Georgian President Mikhail Kavelashvili expressed support for the ruling party’s initiative, stressing that the opposition parties are undermining the political environment through deliberate, externally funded actions.

He questioned how long such behaviour could persist unchecked and highlighted the role of state institutions in responding to these challenges. Kavelashvili also expressed confidence that “healthy political forces” will eventually emerge in Georgia.

The day prior, a law expanding the grounds for banning political parties was formally submitted to the Constitutional Court of Georgia, reinforcing the government’s legal basis for potential bans.

By Tamilla Hasanova