‘The process of electing the new Patriarch of Georgia must be entirely independent, and everyone should place their trust in the Holy Synod, which is responsible for deciding on the Patriarch’s election,’ stated the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, on the programme ‘Imedi LIVE’.
He added that the government is acting in this manner, but his political opponents have launched a counter-campaign concerning the Patriarchal election process.
‘The government must not interfere in this process. It is a matter for the Holy Synod, and a decision for its members to make. That is precisely how the government is acting; unfortunately, the same cannot be said for our political opponents. The same applies to their television networks, representatives, and so-called ‘experts’, as well as NGOs, who have already begun a counter-campaign. This demonstrates their attitude towards the Church. If anyone is attempting to interfere in this process, it is our opponents. They have launched an openly counter-campaign related to the election of the Patriarch, which is, of course, an unhealthy development. We must call on everyone to refrain from interfering in a matter that does not concern them. By doing so, they are also attempting to undermine the Patriarch’s unique role and his particular wisdom. This is their objective. It has been their objective in previous years, and unfortunately, it remains so today. “The process related to the election of the Patriarch must be entirely independent, and everything should be left to the Holy Synod, which makes the final decision regarding the election”, the Prime Minister stated.
