UNM’s Pavlenishvili: ‘emigrants, people from regions are joining, Tbilisi must unite to take back Georgia’

Irakli Pavlenishvili, deputy secretary-general of the United National Movement, on Saturday called for nationwide unity, urging Georgians from the regions and abroad to gather in Tbilisi to “take back Georgia” from what he described as Russian-controlled rule.

“Emigrants are returning, people are coming from the regions. Tbilisi must fully unite, and together we must reclaim Georgia, because one man, controlled by Russia, has taken it from us,” Pavlenishvili said.

He argued that ruling party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili fears the strength of a united and consolidated Georgian public.

“Everyone who is fed up with Ivanishvili, with Georgia’s oppression, with economic hardship, with the seizure of the budget and property - the only solution is to come to Rustaveli Avenue, not to hide like an ostrich. We have all seen how frightened Ivanishvili is. He is afraid of a united, consolidated Georgian nation and of our power. Yes, we can make today a day of great national victory,” Pavlenishvili stated.