Progress and Freedom: A History of the Georgian Political Party
Founded in August 2020, Progress and Freedom is a political entity in Georgia established by a group of experienced figures from the country's business and legislative sectors. The party was co-founded by Kakha Okriashvili, a founder of the PSP pharmacy chain and a former Member of Parliament (MP), alongside brothers Tsezar and Lasha Chocheli. Tsezar Chocheli brought significant administrative experience to the party, having previously served as an MP for the Akhalgori single-mandate constituency (now under Russian occupation) and as the governor of the Mtskheta-Mtianeti Region.
Key Facts
- Founded: August 2020.
- Founders: Kakha Okriashvili, Tsezar Chocheli, and Lasha Chocheli.
- Primary Alliances: Strength is in Unity (2020) and Unity – National Movement (2024).
- Key Affiliations: Signatory of the Georgian Charter initiated by President Salome Zourabichvili.
The 2020 Parliamentary Elections
Shortly after its inception, in September 2020, Progress and Freedom joined the Strength is in Unity coalition, led by the United National Movement (UNM). This alliance sought to consolidate opposition forces ahead of the parliamentary elections.
Majoritarian Candidacies
The coalition nominated two of the party's founders as majoritarian candidates—representatives elected by a plurality of votes in a specific district:
- Kakha Okriashvili: Contested the #14 constituency, receiving 23,666 votes (39.55%), finishing in second place.
- Tsezar Chocheli: Contested the #11 constituency, receiving 17,134 votes (33.78%) in the first round, which qualified him for the second round.
Despite qualifying for the runoff, Tsezar Chocheli and other opposition members boycotted the second round of voting. Although he did not actively participate, his name remained on the ballot, where he received 2,076 votes (7.47%).
Parliamentary Boycott and Return
While Progress and Freedom successfully elected three MPs via the Strength is in Unity electoral list, the party did not immediately take their seats. Instead, they joined a boycott of the Parliament that lasted nearly five months, citing alleged election irregularities.
The deadlock saw international intervention on April 19, 2021, when Charles Michel, the president of the European Council, mediated an agreement between the opposition and the ruling Georgian Dream party. Although the Strength is in Unity coalition initially declined to sign the agreement, they eventually entered the parliament on May 30, 2021.
Current Standing and Future Goals
Looking toward the 2024 parliamentary elections, Progress and Freedom continues its alliance with the UNM-led coalition, now running candidates under the Unity – National Movement list.
The party has also committed itself to a broader national vision by signing the Georgian Charter. This initiative, launched by President Salome Zourabichvili, outlines specific goals and principles for a potential future government.
| Election Year | Coalition | Key Candidates | Outcome/Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Strength is in Unity | K. Okriashvili, T. Chocheli | 3 MPs elected; participated in boycott |
| 2024 | Unity – National Movement | Various | Running as coalition members |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Progress and Freedom?
The party was founded in August 2020 by Kakha Okriashvili and brothers Tsezar and Lasha Chocheli.
What is the party's relationship with the United National Movement (UNM)?
Progress and Freedom has consistently aligned with the UNM, joining the Strength is in Unity coalition in 2020 and the Unity – National Movement coalition for the 2024 elections.
Why did the party boycott the Parliament in 2021?
The party joined the boycott due to alleged irregularities during the 2020 elections, remaining absent for nearly five months before returning on May 30, 2021.
What is the Georgian Charter?
The Georgian Charter is a document initiated by President Salome Zourabichvili that defines the goals and objectives for a future government; Progress and Freedom is a signatory to this charter.
How did Tsezar Chocheli perform in the 2020 elections?
He received 17,134 votes (33.78%) in the first round of the #11 majoritarian constituency. Despite boycotting the second round, he received 2,076 votes (7.47%) on the ballot.