Georgia's ruling Georgian Dream party has appealed to the Constitutional Court to ban the activities of approximately ten opposition political groups.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that the final list of parties will be published in the coming days. In addition to major opposition forces, including the United National Movement (UNM), founded by Mikheil Saakashvili, the list may also include other entities. The statement also names specific individuals from the UNM's entourage who are slated for political bans. Among them is Bachana Akhalaia, the former Minister of Defense.
In parallel with the appeal to the Constitutional Court, the Georgian parliament is fast-tracking amendments that effectively bar individuals associated with parties that "violate constitutional principles" from political activity. According to the proposed changes, these figures will be prohibited from participating in elections (parliamentary and municipal), holding high government positions, heading constitutional bodies, as well as participating in the activities of parties, being members of them, and establishing new ones.
