Ruling Party Honorary Chair cites “planned prosecution” of former ruling power as “pretext for reconciliation” with Tskhinvali

Bidzina Ivanishvili, the Honorary Chair and founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Saturday stressed the importance of declaring the previous ruling United National Movement party unconstitutional, asserting the step would “facilitate the reconciliation process” with the country’s Russian-occupied Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) region.

Speaking to the public in central Shida Kartli region as part of the October 26 general election campaign, Ivanishvili accused the UNM of "unleashing" the Russia-Georgia war in 2008, which he claimed was orchestrated “from abroad”.

Today, we openly discuss the UNM’s role in instigating the war, as there is substantial evidence of their grave misconduct. It was clear from the start that this was a well-planned provocation by external forces aimed at both the Georgian and Ossetian peoples. The goal was to divide us, destroy our relations, and create an ongoing artificial conflict”, Ivanishvili said.

Asserting the conflict “was not desired by the Georgian or Ossetian people,” Ivanishvili emphasised that holding the UNM accountable for their alleged crimes would “inevitably prioritise the restoration of relations”. 

I assure you that a Georgian Nuremberg-style trial will take place soon, laying the groundwork for reconciliation. I am more convinced that acknowledging mistakes and recalling the centuries-old brotherhood between Georgians and Ossetians is essential to rebuilding trust on both sides of the divide”, he said.

The Honorary Chair further highlighted that after the October vote, “when the instigators of the war are brought to justice, and those responsible for the destruction of Georgian-Ossetian unity receive the harshest legal consequences, we will find the strength to apologise for the tragedy inflicted by the UNM in 2008, which engulfed our Ossetian brothers and sisters in flames”.

“GD aims to secure Constitutional majority”

Ivanishvili stressed his party aimed to secure a Constitutional majority of at least 113 seats in the 150-member Parliament, enabling them to amend the country’s Constitution.

He said this majority would allow the GD to declare the UNM and its “satellite groups” unconstitutional.

The individuals responsible for heinous crimes against the country and its people, particularly the grave act of treason committed in 2008, should face the most severe consequences”, the former Prime Minister said, claiming that such a move would make the domestic political scene “much healthier”.

Discussing another goal, Ivanishvili highlighted the bill on family values and protection of minors, which he said had faced “strong opposition from the radical opposition, as they do with any national initiative”.

Today, the morals of the Georgian people are a primary target for the opposition and their patrons. They know that a society becomes more controllable when it abandons its past, history, and values. Once we obtain a Constitutional majority, we will ensure that the wishes of the majority of the country’s population are reflected in the Constitution, safeguarding both family values and the interests of minors at the highest level”, the official noted.

Speaking about the third goal, Ivanishvili stressed that Georgia and Orthodoxy were “inseparable” and the “Christian faith, along with land and language, is one of the key pillars of Georgian identity, requiring special care and protection”.

It is not surprising that today, the Orthodox Church is a particular target of both internal and external enemies of our country. This is why, immediately after securing a Constitutional majority, we will pass a constitutional law declaring Orthodoxy as the pillar of Georgia’s national identity”, he added.

The official emphasised the fourth goal of securing the Constitutional majority was about preparing for the country’s potential reconciliation amid the “rapidly changing geopolitical landscape”.

To seize this opportunity, Constitutional changes may become necessary. However, the collective efforts of the UNM could obstruct the implementation of such constitutional reforms, which are essential for restoring our territorial integrity”, Ivanishvili stressed.

He further highlighted, “our goal is not only to regain our territories. In fact, no land holds true value without the people who live there. Our primary task is the return of our Ossetian brothers and sisters”.

GD Government “fulfilled its 2012 promises”

Recalling the promises made in the 2012 Parliamentary Elections, Ivanishvili claimed the current authorities had fulfilled them, including respecting human rights and implementing various economic and social programs.

He noted the Universal Healthcare Program was introduced, pensions and social benefits were “significantly increased,” and hundreds of thousands of people were “lifted out of poverty”.

Special attention was given to those living near the dividing line, with social programs ensuring that internally displaced persons received decent housing and improved social assistance packages”, he said.

Ivanishvili highlighted that the Government’s efforts in villages and agriculture had “doubled” agricultural production, created 420 new processing and storage facilities, and helped plant perennial crops on 23,000 hectares.

Vineyard areas have expanded by 70 percent, grape processing has increased fivefold, and Georgian wine exports have quadrupled. Unlike the previous Government, which struggled with market access, Georgian products have successfully returned to the Russian market and are thriving in new markets such as the European Union, the United States, and China”, he noted.

GD foreign policy approach

Ivanishvili reiterated the GD had declared European integration a “strategic choice” but acknowledged that Georgia “can not change its neighbours”.

As a result, it was essential to maintain a principled but balanced approach with Russia. The current Government worked to normalise relations with neighbouring countries, leading to significant benefits for local populations through restored trade relations. At the same time, under this administration, Georgia secured visa-free travel to Europe, signed a free trade agreement, and achieved EU candidate status. Today, the country continues its European integration journey with dignity, defending its national interests”, Ivanishvili emphasised.

Concluding his address, Ivanishvili urged voter participation in the upcoming election, saying, “we must go to the polls and make it clear that our goal is not to return to the past, to silent obedience and war, but to build and develop a prosperous future. Only we can continue the path we began, reconciling with our Ossetian populace, and becoming full-fledged members of the European family - achieving this through peace and prosperity”.