Ruling party Honorary Chair calls for “simple choice” between “people’s Government” and “foreign agents”

Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party, labeled as a “shadow ruler” by domestic political actors, on Saturday cast his vote in Georgia’s national elections today, calling on citizens to support a government he claims will prioritize Georgian interests over foreign agendas.

Ivanishvili, accompanied by his family, addressed journalists after voting, underscoring what he described as a “clear choice” between national sovereignty and foreign influence.

In his remarks, Ivanishvili highlighted the importance of “maintaining Georgia’s independence”, warning of “external forces” allegedly seeking to involve the country in neighboring conflicts.

“Today’s election is unique because a foreign country has vested interests that could swiftly commandeer their [opposition] agency if they come to power,” he claimed, emphasizing the “stakes of Georgia’s ongoing neutrality amid regional unrest”.

He encouraged the public to turn out and vote, portraying the elections as a “key moment to support “a government that “will serve the Georgian people” rather than foreign entities he claims are “attempting to undermine Georgia’s stability”.

“We face a stark choice: either a government that will nurture Georgian society and strengthen the homeland, or a foreign agency focused on its own priorities. If we fail to choose wisely, we risk being drawn into military conflict and abandoning development for destruction,” Ivanishvili warned.