Georgian Opposition Boycotts Parliament

Georgian opposition parties are boycotting parliament in a gamble to boost their ratings and influence in national politics. While members of the ruling party, the National Movement, have condemned the move as "unrealistic," some political analysts believe the struggling opposition may have found a chance for greater popular support.

In a sign of unusual solidarity, four parties from the normally fractured opposition have joined forces to take part in the boycott, which was announced on April 7. The New Rights, Industrialists and Democratic Front (uniting MPs from the Republican and Conservative Parties) presented a list of demands on April 10 to parliament and President Mikheil Saakashvili. The parliamentarians are calling for the resignation of Interior Minister Vano Merabishvili, the investigation of alleged covert special forces used by the interior ministry, a complete reorganization of the ministry, and direct elections for mayors and regional governors.

While members of the National Movement, including Parliamentary Speaker Nino Burjanadze, have admonished the opposition for using a