Tbilisi has always been one of the main driving forces of political changes in Georgia, and it will be so again in 2024. Now is our time to stand together for our city and our country, Mamuka Khazaradze, one of the leaders of the Lelo party, said this during his speech at the founding conference of the Lelo Tbilisi organization.

According to him, when Europe is developing in the new century, experiencing progress and responding to the challenges of the contemporary world, Georgia is heading back to the Soviet Union, to the past.

"Hello Tbilisi! I greet all my Lelo colleagues! Glory to Georgia! Thanks to our amazing Tbilisi team, Lelo, for organizing this first congress of the Tbilisi organization - this is the beginning of something new and powerful. Congratulations to the newly elected members of our Tbilisi council. And thanks to everyone for joining us. I see so many old friends and young faces in this hall, it fills me with hope for a bright future for our party and our country. It is very important that we strengthen Lelo Tbilisi organization, because we are fighting for the freedom of Georgia. We need a strong voice of Tbilisi, a strong and clear voice in this fight. Tbilisi has always been one of the main driving forces of political changes in Georgia, and it will be so again in 2024. Now is our time to stand together for our city and our country. Let me be clear about the start of this fight. The main message of this congress is "let's take back our city" and this is part of a bigger fight - because it's time to take back our country. During the last decade, Georgia has unfortunately deviated from the Euro-Atlantic course. When Europe is developing in the new century, experiencing progress and responding to the challenges of the contemporary world, Georgia is heading back to the Soviet Union, to the past. The problems are diverse, but behind all of them there is one main reason: we have a government that serves Russia, not the Georgian people. We all saw their attempt to pass the Russian law, we all saw how they put Gavrilov in the chair of the Speaker of the Parliament. They canceled the visa regime and resumed flights with Russia, and last year almost 2 million Russian citizens crossed the border and entered Georgia. Georgian Dream directs its foreign policy towards the Kremlin and not towards Europe, they hindered and blocked the EU candidate status and they refuse to join the EU sanctions against Russia. It is not a question of Russia conquering our economy and country in the future, it has already happened, including here in Tbilisi. Today, people from Russia take the place of Georgian citizens. Tomorrow they will already have citizenship. They promised us a city full of love and instead we got a city full of Russians. This has already crossed all limits, it is a matter of national security. Unfortunately and to our shame, Tamaz Ginturi fell victim to the foolish policy of this government. It is unacceptable that this government allows Russia to bring a new naval base to the territory of Georgia in Ochamchire. It is enough. A government that serves Russia is enough. It is time for the government to serve Georgia and the Georgian people. Lelo is a group that stands and fights for Georgia!" Mamuka Khazaradze said.

According to Khazaradze, during the next four weeks, Lelo will go to the people and clearly explain what it means to stand together for Georgia and fight for the country.

"With our specific future plans, but now let me show you a preview so you can be the first to hear our plans and proposals. We have a vision for all aspects of our national security: Over the next four weeks, we will focus in particular on four specific new areas:

First of all, we need to restrain Russia's aggression and growing influence in Georgia.

Second, mega-projects must be launched immediately: we must immediately complete the Anaklia project and develop/finish other mega-projects.

Thirdly, we need to increase pensions to 1000 GEL and adjust them annually for inflation, so that our retired citizens do not live in constant poverty and fear.

Fourth, we need to give young people more opportunities, including a guarantee that all university graduates can get paid internships early in their careers.

This is a program that serves the development of Georgia, not Russia. This is a program that can restore the dignity of Georgia and the Georgian people, create opportunities and ensure freedom. Yes! And everything starts right here, in Tbilisi, on this day, from this hall.

We are consolidating our positions here in the capital. We will deliver this message to the people. We will reach people in the regions. We will mobilize people who yearn for a political alternative to the old, rotten parties. We will achieve victory because we are ready to fight! We will do it together with you and for Georgia!" Khazaradze said.