The Gakharia for Georgia party has issued a statement regarding the upcoming debates.

"Our stance on debates is unequivocal - they are an essential component of democracy, we are always ready for open, public discussion. That is precisely why we are present in Parliament today. Regrettably, Georgian Dream has itself declined to participate in debates, particularly during the pre-election period, and has shut down its own TV stations to dissenting opinions, transforming them into propaganda outlets.

Of course, we welcome the prospect of open debates on these channels. However, we must remind the Government that the value of a debate depends on its format and substance.

The proposal from Rustavi 2, suggesting a debate on February 2 involving Georgian Dream and its satellite parties, is nothing more than a farce, a continuation of propaganda rather than a genuine exchange of ideas.

If Georgian Dream refuses to hold a debate on its own TV channel without the involvement of satellite parties, that would be yet another mistake.

We reaffirm our willingness to participate in one-on-one or any other suitable LIVE debate format with representatives of the ruling party, to discuss issues of national importance for the citizens of Georgia, on any TV channel", - reads the statement.