Opposition politician Popkhadze: Ivanishvili establishing ‘Russian-style rule’ as hunger strike reaches 25 days

Opposition figure Gedevan Popkhadze, a member of the Coalition for Change, has criticized what he describes as Georgia’s “de facto regime,” accusing former Prime Minister and ruling party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili of consolidating “Russian-style dictatorship” in the country.

 Popkhadze made the statement as protest actions, including a prolonged hunger strike by politicians and civil activists, continued for the 25th consecutive day outside the Parliament building in Tbilisi.

Popkhadze argued that Georgia was moving toward political isolation and that the current authorities lacked democratic legitimacy. According to him, the absence of a fair electoral environment and the government’s broader political course required constant public resistance.

He highlighted the significance of the planned demonstration on 28 November, marking one year since the opposition claims the government violated Article 78 of the Constitution, which obliges the state to advance the country’s European integration. 

Popkhadze maintained that the authorities had “publicly and demonstratively rejected the European choice of the Georgian people,” calling for maximum public mobilization at the upcoming rally.

Meanwhile, hunger strikers outside Parliament continue to demand the announcement of snap parliamentary elections and the release of individuals they consider political prisoners.