Georgian PM: Georgian Dream Will Retain Majority

Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze has said that Georgian Dream will retain its majority despite the fact that several members left the party.

“The ongoing process is part of democracy,” said Bakhtadze. “The Georgian Dream party has fought for democratic values and diversity [of views] is one of the biggest gains from the fight.”

He claimed that reports in the media suggesting that the ruling party may lose its majority were unfounded: “There is zero chance of this happening,” he said.

Last week, Eka Beselia, Beka Natsvlishvili, Gedevan Popkhadze and Levan Gogichaishvili left Georgian Dream. Beselia, Gogichaishvili, and Popkhadze left the party due to the row regarding the appointment of judges in Georgia. Natsvlishvili decided to leave as his accumulative pension bill did not gain support.

Georgian Dream now has 111 MPs in parliament, meaning it has lost its constitutional majority of 113 MPs. They now require the support of other legislators in order to make any constitutional changes.

By Amy Jones

Photo source - Parliament.ge