UNM opposition hails war veterans’ support ahead of 4 October protests

Georgia’s opposition party, the United National Movement (UNM), has welcomed the backing of war veterans for the upcoming demonstrations on 4 October, the day of local government elections largely boycotted by opposition parties.

Opposition leader Irakli Nadiradze addressed supporters, describing the event as a day of unity and patriotic action. He praised military and security personnel, saying “they stand alongside citizens” ready to defend Georgia. “We will be hundreds of thousands strong. Brave, patriotic men stand with us. 4 October will be a day of victory for the Georgian people,” Nadiradze said.

A statement from veterans living abroad, delivered by former Interior Ministry official Irakli Shaishmelashvili, called on lower- and mid-level security officers to act independently of leadership, which the veterans accused of siding with the government. The veterans said that the country was at a critical moment, framing the protests as an effort to protect Georgia from “Russian domination, injustice, and hopelessness.”

The veterans criticised the enforcement of allegedly stolen election results, claiming that officers’ actions or inaction had facilitated systemic wrongdoing. They said citizens peacefully protesting were met with repression and humiliation. The statement urged officers to participate in structural reforms of Georgia’s security services to prioritise lawfulness, public safety, and accountability.