Opposition politician accuses Georgian Dream of undermining Georgia’s regional role

One of the leaders of the opposition United National Movement, Khatia Dekanoidze, has accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of weakening Georgia’s regional position and damaging the country’s long-term development prospects.

Speaking on Wednesday, Dekanoidze said Georgia was losing “its most important sectors” because of what she described as the “anti-Georgian Dream”.

Referring to events on 6 May 2004, when the central government reasserted control over the autonomous region of Adjara following the departure of regional leader Aslan Abashidze, Dekanoidze described the date as one of the most significant moments in Georgia’s recent history.

She said the developments marked the beginning of a new phase of state development under former President Mikheil Saakashvili and his team, which she said helped Georgia become a regional leader and strengthen strategic ties with the United States and Europe.

Dekanoidze argued that under the leadership of ruling party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili and Georgian Dream, the country had lost opportunities for long-term peace, economic prosperity and European integration.

She also claimed Georgia was no longer fulfilling the regional leadership role it once held, pointing to developments in neighbouring Armenia and wishing the country success.

During her remarks, Dekanoidze highlighted the Batumi Technological University project, saying it had been intended to become a major regional hub for education, technology and communications. She noted that Saakashvili had been personally involved in the project and described him as a political prisoner.