Six MPs leave Georgian Dream to join opposition

Six Georgian Dream MPs Giorgi Khojevanishvili, Aleksandre Motserelia, Beka Liluashvili, Shalva Kerselidze, Ana Buchukuri and Mikheil Daushvili will continue in the state legislature as independent MPs. 

The MPs say that the Georgian people are interested in solving economic problems rather than the ‘continuing political tension.’

"We will support all initiatives which will ease radicalisation and tension in the country," the MPs said, adding that they will uncover their political intentions in detail along with Gakharia in the near future. 

The MPs claim that they are not connected with the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party Bidzina Ivanishvili. 

Several members of the opposition have stated that Ivanishvili ‘has decided to create an alternative political force and uses Gakharia for the goal.’ 

Gakharia resigned on February 18, 2021, saying that the step was connected with the upcoming arrest of the opposition MP and the head of the United National Movement opposition party Nika Melia.