2018-04-09
A totally different reality has emerged in Georgia since 2012, and the country has embarked on the path to genuine democracy. Elections are free, the media are free, the NGO sector is probably the most active, and it would be absolutely unnatural, given the foregoing, for a majority of 115 to be in agreement on all issues without exception.
Today, we are learning to live in a country and democracy that is in fact unparalleled in the history of independent Georgia. This is why the ongoing parliamentary processes are absolutely normal.
Of course, there will be a difference of opinion. It will be a pity if Gedi Popkhadze leaves the majority. I met with him and asked him not to leave the majority, and I hope he will not. However, I reiterate that given the current level of democracy perfect concord among the majority is impossible and even undesirable. I believe that it is our treasure, our achievement, which the country has, and this achievement requires a different kind of management.
Of course, there are issues requiring consolidation, one achieved for the adoption of the Constitution, for example, but there are other issues when all members of the team cannot come to an agreement. In such cases, a conscience vote is allowed, among others. Thus, consider it a treasure and achievement, not as a reason for some kind of discord.
There is no discord among the majority. There is, however, a perfectly normal, democratic process, which is our country's treasure and achievement.
Of course, it is alien to those who manipulate this issue in an attempt to pass it off as discord. It is alien to them because no such thing was possible under their rule. Accordingly, the difference we have today truly is our country's great achievement.