Opposition leader predicts ‘more pressure’ from US on Georgia’s ruling party

Georgian opposition United National Movement leader Giorgi Vashadze has warned that the position of the ruling Georgian Dream party will become significantly more precarious in the coming days. Speaking after recent developments, Vashadze asserted that the United States is poised to increase its pressure on the party and its founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili.

“I can personally tell Ivanishvili and Georgian Dream that after yesterday, their situation will deteriorate further,” Vashadze said. He emphasized that the actions of the new US administration will focus more on concrete results rather than rhetoric, signaling a shift toward decisive measures.

According to Vashadze, this will translate into stronger support for the Georgian people amid the current political conflict, alongside new sanctions and increased isolation for Ivanishvili and the ruling party. “Ivanishvili, as a friend of Russia, Iran, and China, cannot in any way be a friend of the United States, unlike Georgia itself,” he said.

Vashadze called for continued public demonstrations and solidarity, noting that protests play a critical role in challenging the ruling party. “More unity, more protests, and more pressure from our partners are crucial. The protests and Georgian Dream’s brutal responses to them have caught everyone’s attention,” he added.

Vashadze expressed optimism that swift and clear actions from the United States will bolster the opposition’s efforts to counter the ruling party’s influence and secure greater international support for democratic movements in Georgia.