Ruling party MP defends Gov’t post-2012 record, cites end of ‘co-habitation’ era

Irakli Kirtskhalia, parliamentary majority leader and chairman of the parliamentary faction of Georgian Dream, has reflected on what he described as the difficult legacy inherited by the ruling party in 2012.

In his comments for Rustavi 2, Kirtskhalia recalled the period of “co-habitation” following the change of government, saying it was not a desired arrangement for his political team but a necessity given the forces and the length of rule they had to contend with.

He characterized the previous administration as a government “in voluntary captivity,” saying that this was the political inheritance taken over by Georgian Dream.

The MP further claimed the ruling party had since navigated a challenging path, strengthened internally, and now operates in a position where decisions were made based on the will of Georgian society rather than under external influence.

“We went through that path, we overcame the heavy legacy, the team was forged, and today we are in a situation where decisions are made with dignity, based on the public mandate, and we do not ask anyone for permission,” he said.

Kirtskhalia also addressed criticism directed at the government, referencing the co-habitation period as context for certain past decisions. He pointed to what he described as economic growth and Georgia’s current position on the international stage, claiming that the country now spoke “on equal footing with everyone, including Brussels.”