Ex-President Saakashvili calls for intensified protest on Rustaveli Avenue, declares it site of final victory

Georgia’s third President Mikheil Saakashvili issued a powerful call for action, urging citizens to strengthen and intensify protests on Rustaveli Avenue, which he described as the “central citadel of resistance and the place of our ultimate victory.” His social media post rallied against what he characterized as an oligarch’s attempt to undermine Georgian dignity, freedom, and national identity.

“The oligarch wants to trample our pride and dignity and take away our freedom once and for all. We must make it clear to him and his patrons in Moscow, for all the world to hear—we will not surrender! We will not allow them to take our homeland!” Saakashvili wrote, referring to the ruling party leader Bidzina Ivanishvili.

Ex-president emphasized that Georgia is fundamentally a “nation of heroes who preserved our identity and existence through sacrifice.”

He stressed that Georgia once again requires courage and unity to confront oppression. “Our country needs heroism and dedication once more—our strength is in unity!” Saakashvili wrote.

Calling Rustaveli Avenue the symbolic heart of the protest, Saakashvili encouraged protesters to sustain and even escalate their efforts the “oppressive regime back is broken.”