Opposition member: US lawmakers label Georgia’s ruling party as Russian force

Giorgi Rukhadze, a member of the opposition Choose Europe movement, stated that both the Republican and Democratic parties in the United States are standing in support of Georgia’s pro-Western forces, publicly condemning the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party as aligned with Russian interests. According to Rukhadze, a recent US Senate discussion highlighted these concerns, serving as a prelude to legislation aimed at supporting Georgia’s democratic path.

Rukhadze also pointed out that the US government is closely watching the upcoming October 26 elections in Georgia.

“Our Western partners are paying attention and will carefully monitor these elections,” he said. The recent Senate discussion, Rukhadze noted, was not just a general debate but a prelude to new legislation soon to be passed by both the US House of Representatives and the Senate.

The opposition member noted that the upcoming US legislation, referred to as the Friends Act, will have two key components: first, sanctions against individuals who are steering Georgia toward Russia and second, remarkable Western benefits for Georgia if it manages to resist Russian influence.

“If the Georgian people save the country from the Russian swamp, we will receive unprecedented support and opportunities from the West,” Rukhadze added.

He stressed that this legislation represents a clear signal of US commitment to Georgia’s sovereignty and democratic development, contrasting sharply with the authoritarian tendencies he attributes to the GD party.