Georgian opposition member: pressure on Ivanishvili, his entourage will intensify in coming weeks

Sergo Chikhladze, a member of the Unity – National Movement, has predicted heightened pressure on Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder and honorary chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party, and his associates in the near future.

“In the coming weeks, in my opinion, the pressure on Ivanishvili and his entourage will increase even more,” Chikhladze said, emphasizing that the West has so far used only 15-20 percent of its available leverage against Ivanishvili.

He further warned of potential additional sanctions if Ivanishvili failed to alter his approach. “If Ivanishvili does not back down [and will not accept election rerun], and there are no signs of this yet, of course, additional sanctions will be imposed,” Chikhladze noted.

The remarks highlight ongoing tensions between Ivanishvili and Western powers over issues related to governance and democracy in Georgia, following October 26 general elections and the Georgian Government’s decision last month to suspend EU accession talks until 2028.