Ruling party leaders pledge to secure “peace, bright European future” in elections

Top officials of the ruling Georgian Dream party on Sunday committed to ensuring that “peace” and the country’s “bright European future” would prevail in the October 26 general elections, describing the vote as a “decisive referendum” in the country’s history.

During an election campaign event in the western Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti region, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze referred to October 26 as “our day”, drawing a parallel to the country’s Independence Day on May 26, and asserted “Georgia will win” in the elections.

In his address, the official highlighted GD’s “significant achievements” over the past 12 years while in office, claiming that “despite facing substantial challenges, the GD administration has maintained continuous peace” and was credited with being the “only Government since Georgia's independence to avoid a conflict”.

The PM noted several accomplishments under Government, including “eradication of systemic practices of murder, torture, and inhumane treatment,” which he claimed were “characteristic” of the previous  United National Movement Government. He also mentioned “liberation of business and media”, implementation of “free and fair elections” and ensuring “substantial economic growth” from ₾28 billion ($11 bln) to ₾80 billion ($30 bln) while in office. The state budget also tripled during this time, he added.

Kobakhidze also emphasised the GD Government’s “unprecedented support” programmes for mountainous regions, the Universal Healthcare Programme, and the “significant improvement” in social protection. 

The top official noted an increase in infrastructure development, including roads, schools, and sports facilities, and highlighted agricultural programmes receiving over ₾300 million ($110 mln) annually and contributing to “substantial sector growth”. 

He claimed unemployment had also been “halved”, with up to 700,000 people lifted out of poverty, as well as the country obtaining the European Union membership candidacy last year. 

The official once again credited Bidzina Ivanishvili, the Honorary Chair and founder of GD, for his “critical role” in “saving the country” in the 2012 Parliamentary elections.

Without Ivanishvili, I do not even want to imagine where Georgia would be today”, Kobakhidze said, comparing the potential situation to the current predicament in “our friendly Ukraine”.

In his comments, he further claimed “certain forces” were allegedly attempting to introduce elements that were “inconsistent with Georgian culture”, such as “universal hatred, excessive aggression, and polarisation driven by external influences”.

Irakli Garibashvili, the Chair of the GD and the former PM, called the elections a “decisive battle for peace”.

On this day, the Georgian people face a critical choice: war and turning our country into a training ground, or peace and development. I emphasise again, in the pursuit of something better, we may end up with something worse. We trust in the wisdom of our people, which is why we urge everyone to participate in the elections. We must unite, stand together, and save our country once more! On October 26, let's celebrate a great victory for the Georgian Dream and the people!", he said.

In his address, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili described the upcoming elections as a “crucial moment for Georgia”, emphasising the elections represented a “significant choice for the Georgian people”.  He urged voters to “remain resolute in the face of this critical decision”.

Papuashvili also framed the vote as a “second independence referendum”, highlighting the importance of “maintaining the country’s sovereignty and resisting any attempts at external control or manipulation”. 

He asserted the elections were a “choice between peace and war, family values and LGBT propaganda, and respect for faith versus criticism of the church”, emphasising the elected Government “should represent the true voice of the Georgian people and not be undermined by external influences”.

Kakha Kaladze, the Secretary General of the GD, reiterated the party’s “unwavering commitment” to Georgia’s interests and stressed “no Government should accept guarantees of inviolability from foreign forces at the expense of betraying its own country”. 

The official highlighted the current political climate, asserting the choice in the upcoming elections was “clear” due to the “opposition’s stance against Georgian statehood, the church, and national traditions”.

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the Executive Secretary of the GD, stressed the importance of voter participation, saying, “everyone who values their homeland, land, faith, and language should vote”. 

He highlighted “every vote is crucial” in the goal of GD securing a constitutional majority, which he claimed was “vital” for the country’s “peace, unity, and progress”, along with the “protection of faith and national values”.