Irakli Kobakhidze: Elections are a referendum for peace, traditional values, and Georgia's European future

Irakli Kobakhidze, head of Georgian Dream’s election headquarters, declared that the upcoming elections are equivalent to a referendum where citizens will reject war and choose peace, reject immoral propaganda and embrace traditional values, and reject the dark past for a brighter European future. Speaking in Kutaisi, Kobakhidze outlined the party's vision for Georgia’s continued development, emphasizing that peace is the foundation of progress.

Speaking at a campaign event in Kutaisi, Kobakhidze framed the upcoming elections as a pivotal moment in Georgia's history, stating that they are not just regular elections, but a referendum for the nation’s future. He expressed confidence that Georgians will once again choose peace over war, traditional values over what he described as “immoral propaganda,” and a European future over the dark past represented by the opposition. He called on the people to rally behind the Georgian Dream party for continued peace and prosperity.

Kobakhidze highlighted that peace has been the cornerstone of Georgia's development under the leadership of Georgian Dream, allowing the country to grow economically and socially. He pointed out that only through stability can Georgia continue to progress, referencing numerous achievements over the past 12 years. These include a tripling of the country’s GDP, halving unemployment, and major investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

"In exactly one week, decisive elections equivalent to a referendum will be held, where the Georgian people will once again reject war and choose peace, reject immoral propaganda and choose traditional values, reject the dark past and choose the bright, European future of Georgia," Kobakhidze told the crowd.

Kobakhidze also emphasized the historical and cultural importance of the Imereti region, particularly its role in shaping Georgia’s national identity. He praised the people of Kutaisi and the surrounding areas for their contributions to Georgian science, arts, sports, and the country’s fight for independence.

He credited the founder and honorary chairman of Georgian Dream, Bidzina Ivanishvili, for leading Georgia out of what he called an authoritarian regime in 2012 and ushering in an era of freedom and independence. Kobakhidze reminded the audience of the difficult years before 2012, accusing the opposition of human rights abuses, rigging elections, and losing 20% of Georgia’s territory.

"We must constantly remind ourselves that only in conditions of peace is it possible to continue the development of the country in all directions. The Georgian people, of course, will not allow [the dark past] to return."

Kobakhidze went on to list the significant achievements made under Georgian Dream's rule. He stated that since 2012, the country's GDP has increased from 28 billion GEL to 90 billion GEL, with projections of reaching 130 billion GEL by 2028. He also noted that Georgia's budget had grown from 8.5 billion GEL to nearly 28 billion GEL over the same period.

Employment was another major focus, with Kobakhidze highlighting the creation of 170,000 jobs in the last two and a half years and plans to create an additional 200,000 jobs in the next four years. He predicted unemployment would fall below 4%, which would be lower than the EU rate.

"We have halved unemployment in Georgia, and in the next four years, we will bring it below the European Union’s rate," Kobakhidze promised.

He touched on several other key areas of development, such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and foreign direct investment. Kobakhidze boasted that 273 kilometers of highways have been built since 2012, four times more than before the Georgian Dream came to power. He also emphasized the importance of Kutaisi as a future hub for education and technology, announcing plans for a technological hub and the expansion of Kutaisi International University.

He assured the audience that Georgian Dream’s continued leadership is the only guarantee for the country’s peaceful development and achievement of two key national goals: poverty eradication and the restoration of Georgia’s territorial integrity.

"The victory of 'Georgian Dream' is the only guarantee that Georgia will consistently move forward towards the fulfillment of the two most important national tasks: the final elimination of poverty in our country and the restoration of the territorial integrity of Georgia."

Kobakhidze concluded his speech by calling on voters to choose Georgian Dream in the upcoming elections, stating that their victory would ensure peace, prosperity, and a European future for Georgia. He expressed confidence in the party's success, saying that the results on election day will secure Georgia’s bright future.

"On October 26, we should all color the number 41 together and choose the 'Georgian Dream.' Georgia will definitely win!"

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