Georgy Kalatozishvili, Tbilisi. Exclusively to VK
Georgia continues to discuss the appointment of the former Minister of Internal Affairs, Vano Merabishvili, to the position of prime minister. Experts have opposite views on meaning of the presidential decision. Some think that President Mikheil Saakashvili made a full stop in discussion of his plans after 2013; others suggest not being quick with conclusions, because it is too early to farewell Saakashvili. VK asked some participants of the all-national discussion to share their arguments with our readers.
Levan Vepkhvadze, vice-speaker of the parliament from the opposition
By appointment of Merabishvili the prime minister, Saakashvili argued against guesses that after 2013 he intends to be Premier. After the presidential elections in December 2013 the new constitution begins to operate with “strong Premier.” It will be too difficult for Misha to tell Vano that he has to give place to Saakashvili.
In recent times Merabishvili has put on political weight – he is not the president’s shadow anymore and has his own positive rating. And the main success of the officials in 8 years – the police reform – is connected with his name. Thus, I think Merabishvili is for the long haul, at least by 2016, i.e. the next parliamentary elections.
However, these plans of the authorities will fulfill only if the ruling party, United National Movement, wins the parliamentary elections of this year.
Paata Zakareishvili, conflictologist
When several years ago Mikhail Saakashvili changed the constitution relying on transformation of the country from the presidential into the parliamentary republic, I said that he had done it not for himself, but for Merabishvili who actually managed the government being the Minister of Internal Affairs. Nobody believed me then. I was sure in that even before Bidzina Ivanishvili appeared on the political stage. Appearance of such a strong opponent made the authorities act. So Merabishvili turns from “the informal manager” into the legitimate prime minister for resisting the threat coming from Ivanishvili and his coalition Georgian Dream.
At the moment consolidation of all resources and structures takes place under the management of Merabishvili. It should be noted that Mikhail Saakashvili has never ruled the country alone. He has the team, including Vano Merabishvili, the Minister of Justice, Zurab Adeishvili, the secretary of the National Security Council, Giga Bokeria, and the mayor of Tbilisi, Gigi Ugulava. This team stays in power. At least, they count on it.
Irakly Batiashvili, the former head of the Intelligent Services of Georgia, one of the leaders of the opposition People’s Council
Everything is clear about the appointment. Saakashvili established the police state! The Ministry of Internal Affairs ruled the country. I wasn’t surprised that the Minister of Internal Affairs was appointed to be Premier. As for 2013, I don’t exclude any shuffles and games.
David Berdzinishvili, initiator and informal leader of the opposition Republican Party
Saakashvili is worried not about 2013, but the October parliamentary elections of this year. He told Merabishvili: “We sink or swim together.” They will struggle against Ivanishvili as a tandem. President understands that Merabishvili is devoted to him. But they have no chances to win the elections. That is why there is no sense to discuss developments after 2013.
Pikria Chikhradze, PM from the opposition fraction The New Rights
I think it is too early to say that Saakashvili leaves the stage. He and his team called Merabishvili “a spine of power and the ruling party.” The main thing is to win the October elections. And then… Does anybody think that Misha can say to Vano: “You have made your business; you should leave and give me the place of Premier?”
Iosif Tsintsadze, political scientist, the former president of the Diplomatic Academy
It won’t work with Merabishvili. It cannot be told him: “The Moor has done his duty, let him go.” Vano Merabishvili is much stronger political figure than some other politicians in other countries where such a reshuffle took place. After late Zurab Zhvania we had no powerful Premier. All predecessors of Merabishvili’s predecessors were colorless, technocrats. Merabishvili presented himself as a bright and tough manager.
Iosif Tsiskarishvili, political scientist
Saakashvili’s leaving in 2013 is a too optimistic scenario. Probably such variant of developments is acceptable by the elite of the National Movement. However, President’s statements don’t mark searching for a successor. We cannot say good-bye to Saakashvili easily.
