**Georgia’s Ruling Party Stands Firm on Pardon Offer**
Mikheil Kavelashvili, a high-ranking official from Georgia’s ruling party, has reiterated his proposal to pardon several opposition leaders. Despite criticism and controversy surrounding the move, Kavelashvili remains firm in his stance.
In an interview with journalists, Kavelashvili dismissed claims that the opposition is legitimate, stating that they are more focused on “sabotage” than constructive politics. He argued that the role of the opposition should be to offer alternative ideas and convince citizens that they can do better. However, he believes that the current opposition parties in Georgia have failed to meet this standard.
**A State-Oriented Approach**
Kavelashvili emphasized that his pardon proposal is a “goodwill gesture” aimed at giving those who have been imprisoned for violating election laws another chance to participate in politics. He stressed that this move is not about rewarding the opposition, but rather about offering an opportunity for them to redeem themselves and demonstrate their commitment to democratic values.
By framing his proposal as a state-oriented approach, Kavelashvili may be attempting to rebrand himself and his party as champions of democracy and stability. This strategy could help to shift public perception and create a narrative that the opposition is indeed engaged in “sabotage” rather than legitimate politics.
**A Calculated Move**
Kavelashvili’s statement can also be seen as a calculated move to appease international observers and donors who have been critical of Georgia’s democratic backsliding. By offering pardons, he may be trying to demonstrate that his party is committed to reconciliation and willing to take steps towards healing the rift with the opposition.
However, this approach also raises questions about the motives behind Kavelashvili’s proposal. Is it genuinely aimed at promoting democracy, or is it a tactical move designed to manipulate public opinion and maintain power? The answer will depend on how Georgia’s opposition responds to the offer and whether they are able to capitalize on the opportunity.
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