Elections in Georgia – the West won't let not be offended the retired Saakashvili

The secretary general of «Democratic Movement — United Georgia» party Vakhtang Kolbaya made comments in interview to the Internet portal «The world and we» on the results of presidential election which has passed in Georgia.

— How do you estimate the results of presidential election which has passed in Georgia? In particular that the second place was taken by the representative of «National movement» — political force under the leadership of Saakashvili?

Nobody expected that David Bakradze will take the second place on these elections. But if to compare this second place to results of parliamentary elections on October 1 of last year, we will see an essential difference. The matter is that «National movement» collected about 42% of votes on those elections and on these elections the representative of their party gained only about 22%. And taking into account that much smaller number of voters took part in these elections. Therefore the politicians and political scientists note this difference and call this result as the Pyrrhic victory. Though «National movement» «blows» that they are the only opposition because their candidate took the second place. But it is similar to a saying: «fine words butter no parsnips».

I consider that it was «swan -song» of «National movement». Though, of course, you shouldn’t underestimate this political force. The next elections in local authorities are ahead. And, naturally, «National movement» will make the maximum efforts to fix the positions on places. Especially, if to consider that their representatives have still sufficient influence in local authorities, and as high organization and experience which they gained in 9 years of stay in power. Therefore, of course, it is impossible to dismiss them in any way. And those who will participate in elections have to consider the made mistakes as much as possible and as much as possible to mobilize all the resources on upcoming elections in local authorities.

— Do you agree with opinion that the second place on elections of the representative of «National movement» means the situationpreservation of a diarchy and continuation of practice of cohabitation in Georgia?

It is impossible to tell that the diarchy question rather sharply stands in Georgia — the majority is behind ruling party and all key posts already probably will be their. Therefore good will to cooperation is first of all in the interests of nationalists and hardly they will go on any aggravation of a situation. At present all control levers completely pass to ruling party. Therefore if cohabitation process would be continued, so it would be not in such volume and not in such quality as earlier.
And the West quite loyally belongs to this process. And it hardly will turn out not to consider this situation. Besides the structure of parliament assumes it. As, generally there are two political forces — oppositional «National movement» and «Georgian Dream». Therefore they can make a compromise, concede each other in many questions. It depends only on the point of view to name it a cohabitation or pragmatic approach.

— Why such low appearance was observed on elections? Probably, the voters are disappointed with something in policy of the present authorities of Georgia?

This component is present to some extent. But it is important that before elections the situation of loyalty, lack of prosecutions was established in the country. It relaxed people to some extent. Naturally, these elections didn’t cause such big agiotage at electorate, in comparison, for example, with the previous parliamentary elections. Besides it was a priori known that the victory is provided to George Margvelashvili. Though there were questions concerning possibility of the second round, but the majority of political scientists considered that it won’t be.

Especially the law enforcement agencies showed themselves well on these elections. For the last 20 years they took completely neutral position for the first time and were absolutely eliminated from pressure upon someone’s party. It was noted by all, including opposition. It was the unprecedented case for all 20-year history of elections in free Georgia.

— How the people in Georgia treated the candidate of the new prime minister presented by Bidzina Ivanishvili?

Irakly Garibashvili became the Minister of Internal Affairs. This is the perspective, young person. Just thanks to him there was a situation when the Ministry of Internal Affairs didn’t begin to interfere with last elections. He showed strong will and kept the promise that everything will be exactly so. His representation to parliament of Georgia will take place within a week. The people normally perceive his candidate. The good attitude towards him is known from Ivanishvili. But besides he has own, independent authority on Georgia despite his age. Bidzina Ivanishvili goes now to non-governmental sector. Officially he will declare about it within a week after inauguration.

— What will be Saakashvili’s destiny after these elections? Is it possible that judicial proceedings will be begun against him?

As the secretary general of NATO estimated his activity on a post of the president, probably, that the West won’t let not be offended. But if questions are brought up which will directly indicate his participation in any criminal actions which were made during his period, I don’t think that someone «openly» will be able to protect him. Everything depends on as far as the authorities will possess evidential base to show him any charges. And as far as they will be ready to it, taking into account that the West doesn’t approve such actions.