MP Giorgi Sharashidze from the party ‘Gakharia for Georgia’ has claimed that Bidzina Ivanishvili has sent another unofficial envoy to the United States, naming the head of the State Security Service, Mamuka Mdinaradze.
Speaking in an interview on PalitraNews’ “Day’s Newsroom” program, Sharashidze said he had “exclusive information” indicating that Mdinaradze was dispatched to Washington on Ivanishvili’s behalf.
Sharashidze claimed that the alleged visit raises serious questions. He argued that the head of the State Security Service cannot realistically conduct a “quiet” or unofficial visit to the United States, stressing that Washington does not manage diplomatic relations in such an informal manner.
Sharashidze claimed that the ruling Georgian Dream party lacks the resources to reset or improve relations with the United States through official channels. Commenting on the recent meeting between Deputy Foreign Minister Lasha Darsalia and US State Department Deputy Assistant Secretary Brendan Hanrahan, he said the official announcement “means nothing” and insisted that informal efforts are being pursued instead.
Sharashidze recalled a similar episode from previous years, claiming that Ivanishvili had sent State Security Service chief Grigol Liluashvili to the United States without public disclosure, during a period when former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia was also in Washington. He said the current situation mirrors that precedent and argued that such practices fall outside constitutional norms.
“The United States is not Russia. This alone shows the state is operating completely outside constitutional boundaries,” Sharashidze said, adding that citizens should draw conclusions from what he described as secretive contacts by security officials.
On domestic political issues, Sharashidze said his party is ready to take part in upcoming Rustavi 2 debates on pricing issues, where Irakli Kobakhidze is expected to appear. He noted that while no formal invitation had been received, his party would participate despite considering the format less than ideal.
Sharashidze also sharply criticized the work of the 11th Parliament, describing it as “comical,” and accused the ruling party of rushing major legislative initiatives, including education reform, without proper discussion. He said fast-tracking reforms that will shape future generations is unjustifiable.
Commenting on recent initiatives related to grants and constitutional bodies, Sharashidze accused Georgian Dream of moving beyond constitutional limits and toward autocratic governance. He said proposals to criminally sanction those who refuse to recognize constitutional bodies reflect an effort to control public opinion and suppress dissent.
“The main goal of these legislative initiatives is control—control over public opinion and dissenting voices,” Sharashidze said, warning that the country is “one step away from dictatorship.”
Image source: GHN
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