PM: October 1, 2012 elections - democratic change of “anti-national, oppressive regime”, start of Georgia’s new development

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili on Sunday said the parliamentary elections of October 1, 2012, when the Georgian Dream Party came into power, “has become one of the most important events” in the country’s recent history, and noted “the autocratic, anti-national, oppressive regime” had been “democratically” changed and “completely new development stage” of Georgia had begun.

In his social media post, Garibashvili praised Bidzina Ivanishvili, the former prime minister and the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, stressing he was “the main creator of the historic victory” in whom Georgian people expressed their trust.

At a time of complete hopelessness Ivanishvili united the entire society, and such consolidation of people made possible the peaceful transfer of power for the first time in our history”, the PM stressed.

The Head of the Government said the consequences of the victory were “visible and impressive”, as his political team “has ensured the long period of peace since gaining independence”, had carried out large-scale economic and social reforms, promoted the strengthening of democratic institutions and “took important steps” towards Georgian people’s historical aspiration - joining the European Union.

We continue the process of democratic transformation, development of security and prosperity of the country and strive for even more ambitious goals”, he added, emphasising that the Georgian Dream team “has been given strength by the great trust and support of the people”.

Garibashvili emphasised that the “ultimate goal” of the victory of October 1 was the unification of the country and stressed “the strength of the Georgian state lies in the unity of the Government and the people”.