Ivanishvili: 1 October remains ‘watershed’ for Georgia, 4 October will be test of unity

Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder and honorary chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party, has issued a statement marking the 13th anniversary of 1 October 2012, when his Georgian Dream coalition defeated the United National Movement, and warning of what he described as external and domestic threats ahead of 4 October municipal race and planned opposition rally. The statement was released on Wednesday.

Ivanishvili said 1 October occupied a “special place” in Georgia’s modern history and called it a turning point between “authoritarianism, subservience to outside interests, fear and terror” on one side and “democracy, fidelity to national sovereignty and freedom” on the other. He said the date “has become a symbol of unity, dignity and the triumph of good over evil.”

“This day does not belong to particular people or any political party - the main creator of 1 October is the Georgian people,” Ivanishvili said, stressing that the event reflected the country’s traditions and Christian values and the people’s refusal to bow to internal or external enemies.

In a lengthy assessment of the past 13 years, Ivanishvili defended his party’s record, saying that under Georgian Dream “there has been uninterrupted peace” and that “in no field has the situation not improved compared with 2012,” citing international rankings and public support as evidence. He described the period since 2012 as a continuation of the nation’s long struggle for independence and sovereignty and warned that “hard-won gains could be lost without vigilance.”

Ivanishvili also attacked what he called “forces that create radicalism, enmity and artificial discord,” accusing some opposition groups and non-governmental actors of acting as proxies for foreign interests. He said some former members of his own movement had betrayed the party’s and the nation’s interests by aligning with “influential foreign forces,” a development he called a particularly painful internal betrayal.

“We must understand that today we are walking again on a tightrope and cannot afford to slip,” he said, urging sustained vigilance to protect sovereignty and independence. He added that while Georgia would not reject partnership with other countries, “partnership must not weaken our sovereignty or use Georgia for others’ purposes.”

Turning to the immediate political calendar, Ivanishvili framed the upcoming 4 October local elections as a “crucial test” of the country’s unity and stability. He warned that, in his view, opponents and outside backers of radical action would try to use the vote “as another opportunity for disorder, a coup and to advance their aims.” He urged voters to go to the polls and to defend “peace and stability,” saying: “On 4 October we have a chance once again to show that our struggle today is exercised at the ballot box, through free choice, and for the preservation of peace and stability.”

The statement closed with appeals - “Glory to the united Georgian people! Glory to a united Georgia!”