Ruling Party Honorary Chair vows “maximum support” for Western Racha-Lechkhumi, Kvemo Svaneti region, warns of threats

Bidzina Ivanishvili, the Honorary Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Sunday pledged to offer “maximum support” to residents of the western Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region to enable them to take “full advantage” of the area’s potential, before warning of “threats of war” if the party failed to secure a Constitutional majority in the October 26 general elections.

At an election campaign event in Ambrolauri in Racha, Ivanishvili drew parallels with the 2012 elections when the GD ended the nine-year rule of the United National Movement and emphasised the need to make a “historic choice similar to that of 12 years ago, aiming to lead the country to peace and complete the work begun in 2012 to achieve full European Union membership while preserving national dignity”.

Ruling party Honorary Chair labels October elections “referendum between war and peace, slavery and freedom”

Ivanishvili also pointed to alleged internal and external threats, claiming that “enemies are waiting for any opportunity to replace the national Government with a foreign agency, which will result in bombings and destruction of the country”.

We cannot afford to make even the smallest mistake - each vote, each mandate given to GD is a vote for peace”, he said.

In his speech, the former Prime Minister and the GD founder, also reminded the public of the Shovi landslide in the region last year, which claimed 33 lives, including the children. 

He stressed the tragedy had “highlighted the importance of unity, as the country came together in silent support and dignity”. 

Unfortunately, individuals from the collective UNM chose this moment to pursue political interests and blame the Government for the disaster. The individuals, who thrive on controversy and division, remain disconnected from public consensus. Attempts to discuss unity and national interests with them are futile”, Ivanishvili claimed. 

Ruling Party “fulfilled” its 2012 promises to Racha-Lechkhumi, Kvemo Svaneti people

In his address, Ivanishvili asserted the GD had fulfilled the promises made to the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region residents ahead of the 2012 general elections.

When we first met here on August 27, 2012, we discussed the severe problems and unbearable conditions caused by the previous Government's criminal policies, which greatly affected the people in the region. You remember how the immense potential of this region was squandered. Areas renowned for their medicinal waters, unique plants, and world-famous grape varieties were neglected, and the regions with the greatest tourist potential were left in ruins. A small group close to UNM exploited this place for personal gain, leaving the local population with no option but to abandon their homes and land”, he said. 

The Honorary Chair noted the party had pledged to “breathe new life” into the region in 2012 and promised to regulate the status of highland areas, improve infrastructure, and enhance both local and main roads.

We also committed to supporting investors interested in developing Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti. You can see for yourself how much more investment has been made in these areas compared to 2012, thanks to the law our Government enacted over the status of highland regions. As a result, many locals have reconsidered leaving their homes. The improvements in road infrastructure have directly contributed to the region's economic and tourism potential”, the official noted.

Ivanishvili claimed the steps had led to the “revitalIsation” of “once-abandoned” villages and towns, with local wines like Khvanchkara, Mujuretuli, and Aleksandrouli now commanding “much higher prices”.

In the next four years, we will continue the work we have started. We will create all the conditions necessary for the local people to fully realise the potential of this unique region”, Ivanishvili pledged.

“Critical importance” of Constitutional majority

Ivanishvili told the public his party required a Constitutional majority - at least 113 seats in the 150-member parliament - to “ensure peace and long-term development plans” in the country.

He mentioned goals such as initiating legal proceedings against UNM for its actions during the 2008 Russia-Georgia war and bills to “protect the youth and faith”. 

We must end living in constant terror, self-conflict, and invented problems once and for all - without this, it will be impossible to achieve long-term peace and stable development”, the official said. 

Ivanishvili claimed “only a judgement on UNM” could push “healthy political parties” forward on the domestic political scene.

The official also discussed the importance of adopting the bill on Family Values and Protection of Minors, which he said was “predictably opposed” by UNM and “affiliated groups.” He criticised the parties for promoting a “pseudo-liberal ideology” aimed at “eroding traditional values, stripping people of their dignity and morality, and creating a conformist mass of individuals”. 

However, once we secure a constitutional majority, we will fulfil the will of the Georgian people by enshrining family values and the protection of minors in the constitution”, Ivanishvili added.

He stressed the third goal of securing a constitutional majority concerned the country’s territorial issues, and noted the “rapidly evolving” regional events highlighted the need to be “prepared for any opportunity to peacefully restore Georgia’s territorial integrity”.

This will require aligning our country's governance and territorial structure with the new reality through constitutional amendments. The opposition, driven by external influences, will likely resist pursuing Georgia's interests. Therefore, obtaining a constitutional majority is crucial to ensure that no one can obstruct these necessary changes”, the official said.

Mentioning a fourth goal, Ivanishvili did not disclose its content but said the party was “actively working on it”, describing it as of “existential importance to the country and its faith”. He promised to inform the public about a “significant decision in the near future”.

Concluding his speech, Ivanishvili said the country and its citizens would be “needed” by their allies “as much as they need us”, claiming once the “situation in the South Caucasus region stabilises, maintaining strong relations with Georgia's Government will be essential for everyone”.

He predicted it was “crucial” for GD to secure “maximum legitimacy” in the upcoming vote, asserting that a “decisive victory will prevent any attempts to undermine the elected Government”.