Georgian opposition leader Khoshtaria ready to end hunger strike if opposition boycotts local elections

Elene Khoshtaria, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change and a prominent opposition politician in Georgia, has stated she will end her hunger strike if opposition parties agree not to participate in the upcoming local elections. She made the remarks during an interview with Palitra News.

When asked directly if she would stop the strike should the opposition unite in an election boycott, Khoshtaria replied, “Yes. If this clarity is established. I’m not saying it has to be exactly how I see it, but if we reach a principled agreement on zero cooperation, on refusal to adapt or recognize [the current regime], I’ll shift all my energy into the kind of struggle I believe in.”

Following the interview teaser, Khoshtaria shared a more detailed political message via social media, emphasizing that clear strategy among opposition parties is now essential. “As long as Georgian Dream is on the offensive, our ambiguity fuels public nihilism,” she wrote. She praised ex-President Salome Zurabishvili’s statement from May 26 and June 5, when she said “no to fake elections,” as an example of needed clarity.

Khoshtaria said some opposition parties have taken positions, but others have yet to do so. “I am waiting for those positions,” she noted. “When I end my hunger strike is my personal decision, and I will not retreat even a millimeter.”

Elene Khoshtaria began her hunger strike on June 27, declaring, “I am ready to sacrifice myself for this regime to end,” and called on the public to engage in civil disobedience. The next day, former ruling party MP Gedevan Popkhadze joined her protest, followed by activists Bacho Kutsia, Vasil Eliava, and Giorgi Stepanov.

This is not Khoshtaria’s first hunger strike. In November 2021, she fasted for 17 days demanding that jailed ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili be transferred to a clinic from prison.