Opposition calls for unity among pro-Western forces in Georgia

Giorgi Butikashvili, a member of the Coalition for Change opposition alliance, has called for greater unity among Georgia’s pro-Western political forces, saying cooperation was necessary to “return the country to a peaceful path”.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Butikashvili said the European Union continued to stand alongside the Georgian people and supported their “struggle for democracy and freedom”.

He said preserving Georgia’s EU candidate status and visa-free travel with the bloc remained key priorities, but argued this should not allow the governing Georgian Dream party to remain in power.

Butikashvili accused the authorities of violating human rights and harming the population, while also stressing that developments in Georgia were important not only for Georgians, but for the European Union as well.

He also referred to possible pressure mechanisms from Western partners and the involvement of the Weimar Triangle format in discussions related to Georgia.

“We, the pro-Western forces, must be able to lead the country to a peaceful course,” he said.