At a regional election campaign event in Ambrolauri, western Georgia, Bidzina Ivanishvili, Honorary Chairman of the Georgian Dream ruling party, highlighted the progress made in the Racha, Lechkhumi, and Kvemo Svaneti regions and once again criticized the United National opposition and “affiliated parties” as foreign agents and pursuant of “pseudo-liberal values”.
Ivanishvili began by praising the cultural and historical significance of the region, acknowledging the resilience of its people despite numerous adversities. “It is impossible to gaze upon the proud, towering peaks of the Caucasus and not be moved by the thought of how many trials and triumphs, how much heroic history, this God-given gift has witnessed,” he said. He lauded the local communities for preserving their traditions and overcoming challenges.
Reflecting on his visit in 2012, before the defeat of the UNM in the Parliamentary elections, Ivanishvili criticized the previous government’s alleged mismanagement. “You, more than anyone, remember how the enormous potential of this area was being squandered,” he said and condemned the party for “exploiting the region’s resources for personal gain, leading to the displacement of local residents”. He emphasized that under the GD administration, “significant improvements” have been made, including enhanced infrastructure and increased investments.
Ivanishvili also rebuked the opposition’s role in hindering progress, stating, “unlike previous years, the current political situation in the region has forced certain global powers and their agents in our country to go all-in, trying every possible way to return the National Movement to power.” He accused the National Movement of attempting to undermine national interests and disrupt the country’s stability. “Their plans never materialized, and the agents of foreign forces were unable to regain power,” he said, suggesting that the opposition’s failure to regain power has exposed their “true intentions”.
Ivanishvili also addressed the National Movement’s reaction to the Shovi landslide in August 2023 and criticized the opposition for “exploiting the tragedy for political gain”, saying, “The collective National Movement, which once again showed its true face by thinking of political interests and blaming the authorities for a natural disaster.” He emphasized the importance of unity in times of crisis, contrasting this with the opposition’s “divisive tactics”.
Looking forward, Ivanishvili emphasized the need for a constitutional majority in the upcoming October 26 elections to ensure continued progress and stability. He outlined several key issues that a constitutional majority would address, including the removal of the National Movement from politics and the protection of traditional values. “Securing a constitutional majority and addressing the aforementioned issues will set our country on the path of long-term stability and peaceful development,” he asserted.
He reiterated his commitment to constitutional reforms and highlighted the need to align the country’s governance with future realities, which he said could include the restoration of territorial integrity of Georgia. “We must end the cycle of constant terror, imposed confrontations, and invented problems once and for all,” he stated, criticizing the opposition for their potential refusal to support necessary changes.
In conclusion, Ivanishvili urged the people to vote for Georgian Dream, stressing that a victory for his party would ensure peace, prosperity, and national dignity. “We will surely win on 26 October, and together we will continue to fulfill the Georgian Dream,” he declared.
“We cannot afford even the smallest mistake – every vote cast for the Georgian Dream, every mandate, is a choice made in favor of peace. Together, we must vigilantly navigate the next few months, and as soon as the war ends, the unhealthy interests directed at our country will be replaced with the opposite attitude. We must remember that our country and people are as essential to our partners as they are to us. Once the situation in the region stabilizes, friendship with a strong Georgian government will be a priority and a necessity for everyone in times of mutual interest. This is why we need maximum legitimacy. We must win so convincingly that no one will be tempted to create artificial problems for the country’s elected authorities”, Ivanishvili said.
