Six Georgian Dream lawmakers quit the ruling party to join the forthcoming party of Giorgi Gakharia, former Prime Minister.

Many predict that Gakharia will be an independent player in the Georgian politics and free from possible influence of former PM Bidzina Ivanishvili. Others are sure that the ‘new political project’ of Gakharia was invented by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, who has been considered the country’s shadow ruler since 2012.

“My sense is that it is too early to know for certain what Gakharia’s relationship will be with Ivanishvili or how independent he will be,” an associate professor of international politics at Columbia University's Harriman Institute, Lincoln Mitchell told the Accent.

“I have essentially two views of this. First, it is not good for Georgia’s political life that an unelected person has as much power and influence as Ivanishvili does. He is already enormously important in the Georgian Dream, so it would not be good if he gained similar influence over another party. However, it is too early say for certain whether that is the case so we should withhold judgment there. Second, Georgia would benefit fro parties that are anti-government, but pro-regime. In other words, parties that believe the government is making poor decisions or not governing well, but who nonetheless support the basic legitimacy of the regime. That is essential for a functioning democracy and is something that we have not fully seen ever in independent Georgia. If Gakharia’s party is a step in that direction, it could be very positive,” he said.

According to the International Republican Institute's (IRI) new poll, when asked about politicians, most of respondents are favorable towards Giorgi Gakharia - 65%.

“It is way too early to give a meaningful response for this. I have no way of knowing how a party that does not exist will do in snap election that is unlikely to happen. However, while a 65% approval rating is a good starting place, translating that into votes is not a given,” Mitchell added.