PM Kobakhidze: radical opposition ‘completely fragmented’, ruling party expects over 60% in local elections

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Saturday said the country’s radical opposition was divided, making it easier for the ruling party to win mayoral and council elections across all 64 municipalities.

“The radical opposition is completely fragmented. The United National Movement and Lelo are boycotting the elections, while two other parties, Khazaradze and Gakharia’s blocs, are participating. This tactical split is very favourable for us and simplifies our path to victory in both mayoral and council contests,” Kobakhidze told a briefing at the Government Administration.

Asked about reactions to President Salome Zourabichvili’s pardons of Khazaradze and Japaridze, Kobakhidze said the decision reflects the Government’s openness to international election observers, including the OSCE/ODIHR.

“For us, what matters is expressing our position and ensuring transparency toward OSCE/ODIHR monitoring. Reactions from others are not our concern. What is important is objective reality,” he said.

Kobakhidze added that, given the current political landscape, the ruling party’s rating has increased compared to the parliamentary elections, and it now expects to secure over 60% of the vote. He also projected first-round mayoral victories in major cities.