Georgia’s Ruling Party Splits into Two New Factions in Parliament

By Gvantsa Gabekhadze

Monday, December 18

Georgian Dream Majority dismisses speculations that the split is because of internal disputes.

The opposition says that they had long stated about illegalities in state procurements.

(TBILISI)--The Georgian Dream (GD) ruling party announced last week the emergence of two rival factions within the coalition that has governed the country since 2012.

The GD, which already has six factions in the 150-member legislative body, claims the change is part of an internal party reshuffle aimed at creating better management and effective rule over the country.

Many have speculated that the split is the result of an internal feud between rival factions led by Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and Gia Gachechiladze, a long-time GD insider and former Kvirikashvili ally.

Early last week, Gachechiladze accused the government of rigging state tenders in favor of companies affiliated with former GD sport minister, Tariel Khechilashvili.

Kvirikashvili vowed he would quit as prime minister if the accusations proved to be true.