Ruling Georgian Dream (GD) Chair and former PM Irakli Garibashvili urged the Georgian people to make a crucial choice between peace and prosperity or the dangers of war and chaos in the upcoming October 26 election. Speaking at a regional campaign event on Saturday in Telavi, Garibashvili emphasized that the country’s future hinges on this decision, calling on voters to carefully consider the stakes for their families and the nation.
“On October 26, our people must decide: do they want peace and prosperity for their children and families, or war, chaos, and destruction?” Garibashvili asked, highlighting the need for stability and progress.
He reflected on the GD’s victory in 2012, saying it brought an end to the government of former President Mikheil Saakashvili.
“We removed the anti-state and foreign-serving regime that oppressed our people. Our victory was only possible through dedication and uncompromising struggle,” he said, crediting the party’s founder Bidzina Ivanishvili for his leadership and sacrifice.
Garibashvili also pointed the ruling party’s achievements over the past 12 years, including economic growth, job creation, and maintaining peace.
“Since 2012, we have reduced poverty, created over 200,000 new jobs, and ensured 12 years of continuous peace — something no previous government has achieved since independence,” he said.
He warned voters about the opposition, particularly the United National Movement (UNM) and its allied parties, accusing them of seeking to involve Georgia in war.
“They wanted to drag Georgia into the war in Ukraine, impose sanctions that would ruin our economy, and turn our country into a battlefield. Their return means the start of war and destruction,” he stressed.
Garibashvili urged voters to choose wisely: “On one side stands Georgian Dream, with stability, development, and peace; on the other, the opposition, which is only interested in their own gain and is ready to sacrifice the country.”
Concluding his speech, Garibashvili declared, “On October 26, the battle will be for peace and the survival of our country. I believe the Georgian people will make the right choice, just as they did in 2012.”
