Bidzina Ivanishvili, the Honorary Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, commemorated the 12th anniversary of the United National Movement’s defeat, framing it as a victory for Georgia’s freedom and independence.
In an official statement, He cautioned against alleged foreign agents and internal forces destabilizing the country, drawing comparisons to Ukraine’s war and emphasizing the stakes of the upcoming election as “pivotal for Georgia’s survival”.
Ivanishvili emphasized the importance of this anniversary, claiming it symbolized Georgia’s reclamation of dignity and independence and positioned the event as a cornerstone of national identity, underscoring that Georgians had stood up against powerful enemies, both internal and external, to secure their freedom.
He pointed to the transition of power in 2012 as a turning point for Georgia, lauding the progress made under the GD’s governance, particularly in human rights, judiciary, and the economy. Ivanishvili claimed that advancements were recognized internationally and portrayed his party’s 12-year tenure as a period of “consistent improvement” in all areas of life.
However, Ivanishvili warned that Georgia faced war threats and pointed to the ongoing war in Ukraine as a grim reminder of the potential dangers and highlighted the need for vigilance in safeguarding Georgia’s peace and independence.
In his statement, Ivanishvili expressed concerns over “foreign agents” infiltrating Georgian politics, accusing the UNM and their allies of working against the nation’s interests. He called for voters to unite and secure a Constitutional majority for Georgian Dream in the upcoming elections, stressing that this would enable the government to hold those responsible for “past injustices” accountable and to “shield the country” from external influence.
Ivanishvili also tied his party’s political mission to broader national values, advocating for a stronger role for the Orthodox Church in the Georgian Constitution, positioning it as a “key pillar” of the country’s identity. He argued that securing a Constitutional majority would not only ensure accountability for past wrongdoings but also protect Georgia’s future from foreign interference.
In concluding, Ivanishvili framed the forthcoming elections as a choice between “survival and collapse” for Georgia, urging the electorate to support his party in the pursuit of a “peaceful and prosperous nation”.
