"Girchi" MP Iago Khvichia speculated that "Lelo" may have influenced President Salome Zurabishvili's decision to delay nominating a candidate for prime minister until after the elections, possibly through financial means.

Responding to President Zurabishvili’s change of stance regarding the nomination of a prime ministerial candidate, Khvichia suggested that either the President was pressured or paid by "Lelo," a party known for its financial resources. He pointed out that "Lelo" had recently met with the President, raising suspicions about a financial deal behind the scenes.

“The President was either 'hooked' and pulled back, or they paid money. It is not difficult for 'Lelo' to solve discomfort with money... The President was going to nominate a candidate before the election, and I find it hard to believe she changed her mind for free," Khvichia said.

Khvichia also highlighted that members of the opposition, who are eager for the prime minister role, would not have reacted positively if the President had named a non-political candidate, such as a scientist or academic.

"Everyone in the opposition dreams of becoming the prime minister, and if the President were to name a scientist, physicist, or biologist, so many people would be smiling. Nobody wanted that," he remarked.

He further criticized "Lelo," stating that their wealth and resources make it plausible that they influenced the President's decision, especially since the President’s decision to postpone the nomination came after a meeting with the party.

"When you meet 'Lelo' and you change your mind, how can I not think about money...?" Khvichia added.

President Zurabishvili recently announced that she would nominate a neutral prime minister after the elections, aiming to ease tensions between the four parties that signed the "Georgian Charter."