Khatia Dekanoidze, a member of the Unity – National Movement opposition on Friday called for a change in government, citing growing international concern over Georgia’s democratic trajectory.
Dekanoidze accused the government of “Bidzina Ivanishvili” – the honorary chair and the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, labeled as a shadow ruler by the opposition – of isolating the country and argued that only a change in leadership could prevent further international criticism. “I think that everything is already clear to our international partners. The government of Bidzina Ivanishvili is doing everything to leave Georgia in isolation,” Dekanoidze said, adding that “to ensure that such critical texts are no longer addressed to our country, it is necessary to change the government and the regime of Bidzina Ivanishvili. This is a necessary step and will be inevitable after the elections on October 26.”
Her comments follow a declaration by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, which expressed “deep concern” over signs of democratic backsliding in Georgia. The declaration highlighted issues such as increased societal polarization and the adoption of laws that contradict the standards of the Council of Europe.
The ruling party representatives have condemned the document as “baseless” and pointed to the organization’s alleged intentions to interfere in Georgian elections.
