Political scientist Khatuna Lagazidze thinks that Giorgi Gakharia’s return to politics increases competition in the Georgian political field.
“Tectonic shifts in voter redistribution and activation have begun in Georgian politics. It also has a cold shower effect on the opposition, but on the other hand, it is the last chance for them to wake up, to analyze their own mistakes, to return to the electorate, to go beyond the frames of the TV screen, because in recent months we have hardly seen a politician who has gone to the people themselves. That is why this is their last chance to wake up and reach out to their constituents with new ideas, new form and renewed energy,” Lagazidze told Palitranews.
“Giorgi Gakharia will deprive the Georgian Dream of a very solid part of the voters, and we should not be surprised by the officials employed in the administrative and budget bodies. He has charisma both in personal relationships as well as in relations with voters and during his speeches. Until now, in our society charisma was associated with Zviad Gamsakhurdia, Mikheil Saakashvili, those who were proactive leaders: they spread their wings in the street and felt comfortable there, and their emotional energy balance was very high. However, Gakharia has another type of charisma,” Lagazidze explained.
She added that Gakharia’s return to politics is not a threat to the National Movement, yet the other opposition parties must work hard to keep the electorate afloat.
By Ana Giorgadze
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