Giorgi Tavdgiridze: Local self-government elections are elections of a Russian province — Why should a Georgian party participate unless it's in collusion with Putin and Russia?

Giorgi Tavdgiridze, a member of the group “Phari,” stated on PalitraNews’s program "Resume" that from May 27, protests will erupt throughout the city, with people preparing for strikes in parallel, marking the start of intensified civil resistance.

He emphasized that May 26 — Georgia’s Independence Day — will be reserved for celebration, and May 27 will mark the beginning of what should have started on the 26th. According to Tavdgiridze:

“I’m surprised when talented people lack self-confidence — that’s the main problem. Once we decide to act, if 20 to 30 thousand people gather on Rustaveli Avenue, this regime will collapse in three days. Starting May 27, the whole city will be boiling — protests everywhere. Meanwhile, some people will begin preparing for a strike.

May 26 is a national holiday. We believe that protest should outweigh celebration, but there’s no problem if the active part of society wants a celebratory event. Let them have it. It won't interfere. To avoid overlap between protest and celebration, there’s no rush. May 26 will be more about handing over the parade, a celebration. The people of Georgia deserve a day to rest and celebrate.”

On the topic of replacing the current government, Tavdgiridze announced that a National Council will be formed. This body, with public legitimacy, would take over administrative functions for three months after the regime’s collapse and would organize elections.

“From May 27, we will strike on all fronts. We’re not asking Bidzina [Ivanishvili] to call elections. This entire regime — with its Bidzina, its baobabs, zebras, and Kobakhidze — must go. Georgia’s political space must be cleared of zebras. The politics crafted by zebras and penguins is leading Georgia to disaster.

A National Council with public legitimacy will be formed. Let the people decide how to compose it. The Council will temporarily perform the functions of Georgia’s administration and organize elections. The held elections, involving all political actors, will legitimize everything.”

Tavdgiridze stressed that this movement is led by people who make “correct decisions” and won’t gather the public just to deliver “one-hour speeches on Rustaveli.”

Regarding the upcoming local self-government elections in October, Tavdgiridze made a bold claim:

“Participating in the local self-government elections is equivalent to treason. These are elections of a Russian province. Why should any Georgian political party take part in elections of a Russian province unless it’s in collusion with Putin and Russia? It’s simple — taking part in these elections is tantamount to betraying your homeland.”