Ex-Pres Saakashvili accuses Georgian opposition of passivity, warns of possible recognition of Russian-occupied regions

Former Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili has accused much of the country's opposition of failing to respond to "treacherous" statements and warned that Georgia could face the formal recognition of currently Russian-controlled Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) as independent states.

In a statement on social media on Tuesday, Saakashvili said some opposition politicians were afraid of imprisonment because of criminal cases against them, while others had been "bought", were unwilling to act against the government for political reasons or were simply on holiday.

He said public apathy was also being reinforced by the opposition's lack of activity.

Saakashvili argued that some Georgians believed Russian propaganda, while others were "directly traitorous", but said most people had fallen into apathy and were waiting for the outcome of the war in Ukraine.

He accused ruling-party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili of preparing, with what he called Russian backing, for the formal recognition of the Georgian regions.

According to Saakashvili, this could initially involve a non-aggression agreement followed by full recognition.

"Georgia's countdown to survival or disappearance has begun, and amid the silence of the people and politicians, it is rapidly moving towards a fatal ending," Saakashvili wrote.

He said Ukraine's eventual victory could help Georgia, but urged Georgians to increase resistance in the meantime to "buy valuable time".

Saakashvili also cited what he described as recent polls showing that 80% of Ukrainians believe their country will win the war and are prepared to endure as long as necessary.