Khabeishvili: Saakashvili’s release would lead to ‘unconditional victory’ for Georgian people

United National Movement jailed leader Levan Khabeishvili has claimed that if former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili were released from prison for seven to 10 days, the Georgian people would an “unconditional victory”.

Khabeishvili made the comments in a letter published from prison, where he is serving a sentence.

“Say whatever you want, but the fact is that if Misha Saakashvili is free for seven to 10 days, the Georgian people will achieve an unconditional victory - even the last Georgian Dream supporter is convinced of this,” Khabeishvili wrote.

He described the United National Movement as the country’s “only” undefeated and uncompromising patriotic political team and expressed support for his party colleagues and activists.

Much of the letter focused on what Khabeishvili described as a failure by Georgia’s opposition and media to focus on domestic social and economic problems. He criticised what he called an excessive focus on international politics and statements by foreign leaders rather than issues affecting Georgian households.

Khabeishvili cited consumer prices, household debt, low wages, drug use, gambling and youth crime among the issues he said received insufficient attention.

According to figures cited in his letter, 1,996,116 people have bank debts, while 375,188 are unable to service their loans. He also claimed that interest rates on some loans reach between 18% and 30%. 

He criticised what he described as “talking heads” and self-styled foreign-policy and geopolitical experts, arguing that political actors should focus more on concrete action inside Georgia.

Khabeishvili also criticised parts of the opposition for what he described as excessive caution and comfort, contrasting them with activists whom he portrayed as continuing to protest and organise despite difficult circumstances.

He concluded by calling for overcoming fear, uniting around Georgia and taking action against Bidzina Ivanishvili and the ruling Georgian Dream party.

“Everyone against Bidzina - courage, unity around Georgia and doing what we can. This is the way forward. Fear must be overcome,” Khabeishvili wrote.