Opposition Candidate Kupradze Meets Brussels Mayor, Draws Criticism from Georgian Dream
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, September 19, 2025
Irakli Kupradze, the joint mayoral candidate of the Strong Georgia-Lelo coalition, met with Brussels Mayor Philippe Close on Thursday as part of a visit aimed at strengthening ties between the two capitals. Kupradze was accompanied by Mamuka Khazaradze, leader of Strong Georgia-Lelo, and Tazo Datunashvili, head of the coalition's election headquarters.
The meeting, held at Brussels City Hall, focused on possible cultural and economic cooperation between Tbilisi and Brussels. According to the coalition's press service, the discussions included infrastructure development, education, and joint projects in urban management.
Kupradze described the talks as productive and emphasized the significance of European support. "The support of the Mayor of the European capital is important for me, as a candidate for Tbilisi mayor, and for the future of Tbilisi residents," he said. He also noted that incumbent Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has not engaged with European partners, arguing that this isolates the city.
Khazaradze highlighted Brussels's experience in city management, including the restoration of historic districts, investment attraction, social programs, and the administration of schools and hospitals. "This visit serves to transfer the vast experience that this city has to Tbilisi," he said. He added that Brussels City Hall had agreed to maintain contact with their coalition and any future Tbilisi municipality.
Close publicly confirmed his support for Kupradze's candidacy. "I would like to express my full support to him, because we are bound by common European values, which are very important to me as the mayor of the European capital," he said.
The visit prompted critical responses from ruling party figures. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said, "There are two weeks left before the elections, and some are in America, some in Brussels, some in Berlin, and when the Georgian Dream says that they carry foreign interests, they are surprised."
Mayor Kaladze also commented on the trip, saying he did not know the delegation's goals but added, "it is clear that they are not going for the good of Georgia."
Khazaradze responded by dismissing the remarks and urging officials to moderate their rhetoric. He said his coalition is focused on building partnerships that will support Tbilisi's development and align the city more closely with European standards.
