**Opposition Parties in Georgia Forge Unlikely Alliance for Local Elections**
In a surprising move, the Gakharia for Georgia party and Lelo – Strong Georgia have signed a memorandum aimed at excluding competition between each other in upcoming local elections. According to Berdia Sichinava, Executive Secretary of the Gakharia for Georgia party, this cooperation is not about normalizing any processes, but rather about expanding the protest movement and giving it a new impetus.
The opposition parties are facing a serious political crisis in the country, with state institutions largely under the control of the ruling party. In these conditions, pragmatic cooperation and mutual coordination have become essential for a common struggle. Sichinava emphasizes that this is not a standard election, and therefore, they must exclude competition between each other.
**A Pragmatic Approach to a Common Goal**
The memorandum reflects the principles of agreement, cooperation, and coordination among opposition parties. This implies working together to field non-partisan neutral candidates for mayor and joint party candidates for majoritarian deputies. Sichinava believes that this approach sets a good example for the rest of the opposition political spectrum.
“We are ready to cooperate with any political party, public movement, student movement, individual individuals, or heroic people involved in the protest,” Sichinava said, highlighting the openness and willingness to work together towards a common goal.
**Commentary**
This unexpected alliance between two opposition parties is a significant development in Georgian politics. By putting aside their differences and working together, they are sending a strong message that unity is key in the face of adversity. This pragmatic approach may just give the protest movement the boost it needs to overcome the challenges posed by the ruling party.
**Analysis**
The memorandum signed between Gakharia for Georgia and Lelo – Strong Georgia marks a shift towards more collaborative and strategic thinking among opposition parties. By focusing on shared goals and interests, they are demonstrating that even in times of crisis, cooperation can be a powerful tool. As Sichinava noted, this is not just about normalizing processes, but rather about expanding the protest movement and giving it new momentum.
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