Prominent European politicians, countries and the European Commission voiced serious concern about the deepening political crisis in Georgia after Prime minister Georgi Gakharia stepped down on Thursday (18 February), exposing divisions in the ruling party over a court decision to arrest the main opposition leader.
The political crisis in Georgia is deepening as Prime Minister Georgi Gakharia stepped down on Thursday (18 February), citing his disagreement with the team on the court decision to arrest the main opposition party leader.
The ruling Georgian Dream party quickly announced its decision to nominate defence minister Irakli Gharibashvili as Gakharia’s replacement later on Thursday.
Georgia’s Prime Minister, Giorgi Gakharia, has resigned from his position on Thursday.
The former PM said it was necessary to vacate his seat because he is not in support of the authority arresting a top opposition leader as it could escalate a political crisis in the ex-Soviet nation.
Gakharia said he was stepping down because of disagreement in the government over enforcing a court order to arrest Chairman of United National Movement, Nika Melia, saying to do so would “pose a risk to the health and lives of our citizens and increase political polarisation in the country.”
The court ruling came amid a political crisis in Georgia that followed parliamentary elections in October that independent monitors say were marred by irregularities. All the opposition parties are boycotting parliament, refusing to assume their mandates.
Gruusia peaminister Gahharia astus opositsiooniliidri vangistamisotsuse pärast tagasi delfi.ee - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from delfi.ee Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.