Nine-Party Coalition Downplays Patarkatsishvili’s Decision

“We have our presidential candidate and we plan to win this election… and what other candidates do, whether they remain in the race or not, is up to them. We have nothing to do with that,” Tina Khidasheli of the Republican Party, part of the nine-party opposition coalition backing Levan Gachechiladze’s presidential bid, said on January 3.

Her remarks were in response to being asked to comment about tycoon Badri Patarkatsishvili’s decision to remain in the race despite his earlier pledge to withdraw.

“We are ready to talk with everyone, with everyone, but not with those who have committed crimes. If Saakashvili committed any crime, he will be held responsible in accordance with the law; if Patarkatsishvili committed any crime, he will also be held responsible in accordance with the law. We speak the language of law,” she said.