**Georgia’s Political Crisis: A Step Towards New Elections?**
On Christmas Eve, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili met with representatives of the opposition and civil society organizations. The meeting aimed to discuss what to do if the ruling party agrees to negotiations, or if not, how to move forward with demands for new elections.
Coalition leader Nika Gvaramia spoke after the meeting, saying that President Zurabishvili was presented with key demands outlined in a joint document being prepared by the opposition and civil society groups. If the government does not agree to negotiations, Gvaramia believes the President has the right to dissolve Parliament and set a date for new elections.
**Dissolving Parliament?**
Gvaramia also noted that dissolving the 11th convocation of Parliament is one possible solution to the current crisis. He stressed that this decision should be made jointly by the society and political parties.
Others who spoke after the meeting shared similar views, including Dimitri Tskitishvili from the Gakharia for Georgia party. He said that work is underway, and a basic framework of opinions on how new elections should be held is almost ready.
**What’s Next?**
Leaders of other opposition groups also expressed their thoughts. Badri Japaridze from Strong Georgia emphasized the need to have a plan in place after December 29, when the government may not show good will. Giorgi Vashadze from Unity-UNM spoke about the organizational mechanism that should lead the political-social process in Georgia.
**The President’s Plan**
President Zurabishvili has announced plans to create a special council to prepare for new elections. Her mandate ends on December 29, when the government plans to inaugurate its chosen candidate, Mikheil Kavelashvili.
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