We must understand that the announced education reform is being discussed not by Keir Starmer or Scholz, but by Irakli Kobakhidze, the head of a terrorist regime—he has his own motivations and will subordinate everything to those motivations, said Grigol Gegelia, one of the leaders of “Lelo for Strong Georgia,” regarding the prospects of implementing the educational initiatives presented by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.
As Gegelia stated on PalitraNews’ program “Day’s Newsroom,” it’s one thing to look at the issue from the perspective of what is best for Georgia’s education system, and another to realize that it is Irakli Kobakhidze implementing it.
According to Gegelia, “when Kobakhidze does something, it becomes clear what his intentions are behind the steps he takes.”
“I don’t yet know the full reform. What I heard from the de facto Prime Minister is not enough to see the complete concept.
There were a few correct emphases. Irakli Kobakhidze has teaching experience. I also have teaching experience, and many of the things he talks about are obvious truths for many in the academic space. On the other hand, I see a very high risk of political purges. This is not about an ordinary regime or an ordinary prime minister. The person speaking about education reform in a calm and refined tone is the prime minister of a terrorist regime that serves Russian autocracy. His goal is to eradicate pro-Western thought in this country and silence critical voices—there should be no critical voices in Kobakhidze’s Georgia.
Most importantly, we saw that he opposes the ideals and standards of the so-called Bologna Process. This regime opposes Western standards, Western ethics, and Western norms wherever it can. Here, we see an attempt to kill Western standards in yet another area.
Everything must be done to stabilize academic positions and ensure that individuals selected for academic roles for long terms work in one academic space, create knowledge in that space, and are represented consistently. Objectively, this is important for the development of the academic space. In this regard, things are not good in Georgia, and this needs to change, because it is generally very bad when a person has to work at four or five universities and teach one course at each. If we look at this issue specifically, Irakli Kobakhidze will use it to his advantage.
I’m not looking for flaws in the proposed initiatives; I see the flaw in the person presenting them. We know what Irakli Kobakhidze will do, and that is dangerous.
Irakli Kobakhidze is someone who silences criticism everywhere, persecutes masked individuals, activists, journalists, and free thought,” Gegelia stated.
In the same context, Gegelia views the legislative package adopted by the Parliament, which, once enacted, will prohibit specific individuals from engaging in party activities, holding political office, and participating in elections.
According to Gegelia, this law establishes a dictatorship in the country.
“Gela Geladze, Roman Kartsiashvili, Givi Mikanadze, Kakha Kaladze, Davit Songulashvili, Natia Turnava, Maka Bochorishvili, Nino Enukidze, Mamuka Bakhtadze, Anzor Bolkvadze, Gia Volski, Tengiz Sharmanashvili, Savalan Mirzoev, Beka Odisharia, Goga Khaindrava—are they the ones being banned? These people were prominent representatives, supporters, and donors of the United National Movement back then. They were die-hard supporters of Misha Saakashvili, and now someone or something is supposed to ban them?!
Banning parties is the establishment of a dictatorship in the country—no matter which party it is! Imposing collective responsibility for a party’s activities does not happen in a democracy. In a democracy, the people impose collective responsibility on a party by not voting for it or not electing it. The system does not do this! When the system does it, it’s a grave precedent and a dictatorship.
A regime that bans parties is a dictatorship! Let them ban Bidzina Ivanishvili—that’s Lelo’s response!
Of course, we will fight, but these bans will come back to them like a boomerang, and we will soon see the backlash they will face!
Is Khaindrava going to ban me?! Are Mirzoev and Volski going to ban Irakli Kupradze?! We remember well how Saakashvili’s loyal vassals ran around at his word,” Gegelia stated.
Grigol Gegelia: We must understand that it’s not Keir Starmer or Scholz talking about education reform, but Kobakhidze, the head of a terrorist regime, so the goal is clear – I see a very high risk of political purges
