Democratic opposition united on release of ‘political prisoners’, call for new elections – UNM member

Georgia’s democratic opposition is united around two key demands - the release of political prisoners and an end to repression, as well as the holding of new, free and fair elections without what it describes as a “pro-Russian regime,” said United National Movement member Lasha Parulava.

According to Parulava, achieving these goals requires unity and a coordinated plan of action.

“We are already united in our demands; what is needed now are concrete steps to achieve them,” Parulava said. “While the democratic opposition is united on objectives, there are differing views on tactics. A shared plan, vision and coordinated actions would make this struggle far more effective.”

Parulava said he fully supports the approach outlined by Zurab Japaridze, leader of Girchi – More Freedom, and expressed readiness to take joint steps toward implementation.

“Despite repression, terror, political prisoners and the imprisonment of political leaders, we continue the fight,” Parulava said. “No matter what Georgian Dream or the Ivanishvili regime confronts us with, the key resource remains the Georgian people. Action is needed so that the Ivanishvili regime sees a united Georgian society on Rustaveli Avenue. This will be the decisive factor not only for its retreat, but for its defeat.”

Meanwhile, Japaridze said discussions are ongoing among civil society groups and political forces to agree on new approaches and rules of engagement.