Ruling party officials: “radical opposition” aiming to regain office with help of “foreign patrons”

Officials of the ruling Georgian Dream party on Sunday said the “radical wing” of the domestic opposition, which they claimed included the United National Movement and “affiliated groups”, had plans to “regain office with the help of their foreign patrons”. 

Addressing voters in an election campaign in the country’s south-western Samtskhe-Javakheti region, Irakli Garibashvili, the GD Chair and the former Prime Minister, credited Bidzina Ivanishvili, the Honorary Chair of the party and its founder, for having “saved Georgia” in the 2012 elections by defeating the “evil UNM force”. 

“Collective UNM” sees war as “opportunity” to regain office - ruling party Honorary Chair

He claimed individuals related to UNM remained active in politics and were attempting to “regain power and exact revenge”, before urging voters to “stand firm” on the October 26 general elections, “just as they did in 2012”, to “safeguard the country once more”. 

Georgian PM: October elections choice between slavery and sovereignty

If we choose GD, we will ensure peace and enjoy the benefits that come with it - freedom, prosperity, and a bright European future. Conversely, choosing the War Party, including UNM and its affiliates, will lead to chaos, destruction, and despair. Our people are wise, and on October 26, peace and the Georgian Dream will prevail”, Garibashvili claimed. 

Calling the elections a “decisive referendum”, Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, alleged the “force opposing us today” was “far greater than our ineffective opposition”.

It is an ideology that advocates war in the name of peace, challenges faith in the name of tolerance, and dehumanises individuals in the name of personal freedom. Essentially, it is modern Bolshevism, targeting our faith and our history as its primary goals”, he claimed.

Addressing the public, Kakha Kaladze, the Secretary General of the ruling party, called for “patience, wisdom, and a deep understanding” of historical experience to “ensure the right actions for the peaceful reunification of the country”. 

He claimed by “standing united”, the ruling power would be able to “overcome both internal and external challenges and guide the nation towards peace”.

Mamuka Mdinaradze, the GD Executive Secretary, outlined the opposition's alleged plans in his speech and claimed their “strategy involves two main points - first, they are attempting to provoke disorder and chaos, second, they seek external interference in Georgian elections through statements or other actions”. 

He alleged the plans were “in line with their foreign patrons”, assuring the country’s “serious progress in all directions” was a “source of concern for those who wish the country harm”.