UNM's Pavlenishvili Says Arrests Undermine Government's Calls for Public Debate
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, January 26, 2026
United National Movement member Irakli Pavlenishvili criticized the government's recent rhetoric about restoring public debate, arguing that arrests of protesters and opposition figures make such claims hollow.
"If you arrest someone for standing on a sidewalk and detain politicians for making political statements, you cannot simultaneously open a space for public debate," Pavlenishvili told journalists.
He said the UNM has long expressed readiness to participate in public debates but that authorities have consistently refused to engage. Pavlenishvili added that the exclusion of former President Mikheil Saakashvili from political life has significantly distorted the political process.
"Society deserves that the main opponent of the government is not artificially excluded from the process," he said, noting that Saakashvili retains broad public support but has been denied the ability to participate in political activity. "Any political leader should have that right, except for Mikheil Saakashvili."
Pavlenishvili also accused the ruling party of selectively avoiding debate platforms, saying opposition figures were never invited to appear on pro-government broadcaster Imedi, while government officials avoided opposition-aligned channels. "Who silenced debates in this country is well known," he said.
He expressed skepticism about the government's stated intention to curb high prices or tackle corruption, arguing that any changes would be superficial. According to Pavlenishvili, Bidzina Ivanishvili was aware of price increases driven by cartel-like practices linked to affiliated businesses.
"There may be cosmetic adjustments, but real systemic price reduction will not happen. Corruption cannot be defeated under this system," he said.
Pavlenishvili argued that meaningful public debate is only possible if democratic conditions are restored, including the release of political prisoners and the creation of a fair electoral environment. "Only then will public debate emerge naturally," he said.
His remarks come after Georgian Dream Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said that public debates are essential for informed electoral choices and accused "informal oligarchic forces" of destroying spaces for discussion and suppressing dissent.
