Opposition leader accuses Georgian Dream of waging “hybrid war” against its own people

Giorgi Gakharia, leader of For Georgia, has sharply criticized the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, accusing it of employing dangerous propaganda tactics that harm the country’s national interests. Gakharia said the GD regime is engaged in a “hybrid war” against its own citizens, using psychological manipulation and propaganda to reshape societal values and justify its governance.

In a statement on January 8, Gakharia denounced the ruling party’s recent rhetoric, including its claims about a “Global War Party” and “Deep State” conspiracy theories. He argued that these narratives, while initially framed humorously, are part of a broader strategy to manipulate public opinion and pressure citizens into compliance.

“The regime is attempting to redefine national and cultural values,” Gakharia said. “They are calling enemies friends, and friends enemies. They apologize to aggressors, label patriotism as treason, and glorify violence as a virtue. This psychological warfare aims to distort reality and serve the regime’s survival.”

Gakharia urged the public to recognize the dangers of the Georgian Dream’s propaganda and to resist its attempts to sow division and undermine democratic principles. “Georgian Dream means poverty, corruption, crime, injustice, and international isolation,” he added. “We must systematically expose these truths to our citizens and support those who are the targets of this regime’s psychological violence.”

Meanwhile, Georgian Dream escalated tensions by targeting US Congressman Joe Wilson, who recently led an international statement urging sanctions on GD officials and calling for free and fair elections in Georgia. The ruling party labeled Wilson a “degraded politician” and a member of the so-called “Deep State,” accusing him of pushing Georgia into war under the influence of the “Global War Party.”