Girchi's Japaridze Will Auction Himself Off for New Year

Georgian political party Girchi (pinecone in Georgian) has a new plan to raise money. This New Year's Eve, party leader Zurab Japaridze will be auctioned off to the highest bidder to be their mekvle - the first guest a family hosts in the new year, said to bring luck to the household. There will be five auction winners, visited by Japaridze on December 31 and January 1.

Some restrictions apply, though. Girchi posted about the stunt online, saying, "Japaridze will visit only Tbilisi residents. The winners will be notified about the visitation time beforehand. The only exception will be in the case of [Georgian Dream leader] Bidzina Ivanishvili; this will take place anytime on 31 December and 1 January"

Japaridze and Girchi are known for wild publicity stunts. Most recently, members of the party mooned the occupation line of "South Ossetia." Girchi continually calls for the legalization or decriminalization of many drugs, particularly marijuana. 

By Samantha Guthrie

Photo: Zurab Japaridze, Facebook

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