Kobakhidze Confirms Evidence Gathering to Ban Opposition Parties
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze confirmed that the government is actively gathering evidence through a parliamentary commission to support a constitutional lawsuit aimed at banning several opposition parties. Speaking to journalists, Kobakhidze said the commission is compiling "concrete facts" to build a case against the United National Movement (UNM), Lelo for Georgia, New Political Center-Girchi, and Gakharia for Georgia.
The commission, chaired by former Justice Minister Thea Tsulukiani, was established to investigate alleged unconstitutional activities by these opposition groups. Kobakhidze accused the UNM of being responsible for starting the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, a charge frequently cited by Georgian Dream as part of their justification to ban the party. According to Kobakhidze, the commission's evidence collection has focused on such historical events and current actions deemed harmful to the Georgian state.
He emphasized that the commission has the full mandate to request information from various institutions and that refusal by any party to cooperate has led to criminal proceedings against some opposition figures. Kobakhidze said the evidence gathered will be submitted to the Constitutional Court as part of the upcoming lawsuit.
Kobakhidze also indicated that the government intends to ban four parties through this legal process, which he believes is essential for protecting Georgia's national security and democratic system. He acknowledged that the case might take time to resolve but insisted that it must be done before or after the local elections scheduled for October 4, 2025. He argued that the Georgian Dream party is acting within legal bounds and following constitutional procedures. He stated, "We are using all the legal mechanisms available to protect Georgia from forces that want to destabilize the country."
Opposition leaders have condemned the commission and the planned ban, calling it a political crackdown designed to eliminate dissent. They argue that the move violates democratic principles and further isolates Georgia internationally.
International observers have also expressed concern over the legislative changes enabling the banning of political parties and the overall shrinking space for political opposition in Georgia.
Despite criticism, Kobakhidze dismissed concerns, accusing the opposition of attempting to undermine the country's sovereignty and security. He urged all Georgians to support the government's efforts to "defend Georgia's future."
