Georgia’s ruling party Sec Gen criticises Garibashvili for echoing opposition narratives
Kakha Kaladze
Photo: Tbilisi City Hall
Kakha Kaladze, Tbilisi Mayor and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Wednesday described recent statements made by imprisoned former Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili as “ordinary political speculation”, saying it was particularly difficult for him to comment on a former teammate and colleague.
Speaking to journalists, Kaladze noted that Garibashvili had acknowledged the charges brought against him and was serving a sentence related to the case, adding that subsequent allegations lacked any factual basis.
“It is very difficult and unpleasant for me to speak when it concerns a former teammate. A former teammate who has admitted to the charges brought against him and is serving a sentence for them. The statements made afterward, which have absolutely no foundation, are, for me, ordinary political speculation”, Kaladze said while commenting on letters recently published by Garibashvili.
The Mayor also said it was troubling to see a former Prime Minister and one of the former leaders of the ruling team echoing the rhetoric of the opposition United National Movement.
Referring to a confirmed suicide case, Kaladze stressed that exploiting the tragedy for political purposes was unacceptable.
“The specific fact that has been confirmed - unfortunately, a suicide - should not be the subject of speculation under any circumstances. I repeat once again, on a human level: anyone can make mistakes in life, but any hardship should be faced with dignity and humanity”, he said.
Kaladze further argued that Garibashvili, the United National Movement, and what he described as “enemies of the country” were now advancing similar narratives.
“Statements of this kind, when Irakli Garibashvili speaks in unison - and I repeat, it is difficult for me to talk about this because he was the country’s former prime minister and one of the leaders of our team - when Garibashvili, the United National Movement, and the country’s enemies speak with one voice, it is very painful to witness”, Kaladze concluded.
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