**Georgian Opposition Figures Behind Efforts to Block Recognition of Parliament’s PACE Delegation**
A group of opposition politicians and NGO representatives in Georgia was actively working to prevent the recognition of the country’s parliamentary delegation at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE). This is according to MP Givi Mikanadze, who spoke out about the issue during a session of the temporary investigative commission.
Mikanadze named several individuals involved in this effort, including Tina Bokuchava, Salome Samadashvili, Giorgi Kandelaki, and Zurab “Girchi” Japaridze. These individuals were reportedly communicating with various political groups and individual politicians at PACE, urging them not to recognize the credentials of Georgia’s parliamentary delegation.
**A Coordinated Effort**
Mikanadze emphasized that this group had coordinated their efforts with certain political groups, such as ALDE and the European People’s Party, days before the Assembly began. He noted that these individuals were not part of the official Georgian delegation but rather sought to damage the country’s image by blocking recognition of its parliamentary delegation.
**A Clear Agenda**
According to Mikanadze, the goal of this group was clear: to prevent PACE from recognizing Georgia’s newly elected parliamentary delegation. Some members of this group even met with the President and Secretary General of PACE, pushing for the delegation not to be recognized. This was despite the fact that government delegates were privately told by these individuals that there was only one real item on the agenda – whether or not to recognize the new delegation.
**Disinformation and Bias**
Mikanadze also noted that this group was given opportunities to spread disinformation, and some members even presented their claims during a Monitoring Committee meeting. He criticized Tina Bokuchava for making baseless statements about Georgia being under Russian rule and for demanding urgent measures be taken.
**A Threat to Georgia’s Reputation**
The efforts of this group to block recognition of Georgia’s parliamentary delegation are seen as a threat to the country’s reputation on the international stage. Mikanadze emphasized that the Georgian delegation had to participate in PACE as the first international platform after the 2024 parliamentary elections, and that an unprecedented mobilization took place among radical groups, certain politicians, and NGO representatives.
**Conclusion**
The actions of this group are a clear attempt to undermine Georgia’s reputation and prevent its newly elected parliament from being recognized at PACE. As Mikanadze noted, it is essential for the country to maintain its credibility and respect on the international stage. The efforts of these individuals will undoubtedly have far-reaching consequences for Georgia’s relationships with other countries.
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