The regime is just a few steps away from fully establishing a dictatorship in the country, specifically by silencing a few microphones. There is ongoing persecution of priests and opposition MPs, as well as the practical destruction of NGOs and media, said opposition politician Gigi Ugulava.

According to him, the way out of the situation in the country lies in maximum mobilization of society within Georgia and international efforts.

“The regime is just a few steps away from fully establishing a dictatorship, specifically by silencing a few microphones. The formalization of the dictatorship has already begun with the laws passed by ‘Georgian Dream.’ Practically, an assault is underway on all the free islands that might exist in the country. Now, there is persecution of priests and opposition MPs, as well as the practical destruction of NGOs and media. The only thing that can save a country in this process is the absolute mobilization of society and international efforts, which must be in unison with the efforts of society. Now is a critical stage in the fight for this country’s freedom. What remains is sanctions from outside and maximum ‘pressure’ from within,” Gigi Ugulava stated.

The opposition politician also commented on the potential participation of opposition parties in local elections. According to him, in the current situation in Georgia, any opposition party’s participation in local elections would be tantamount to betraying the country.

“In this situation, not only is participation in local elections unacceptable, but it would be equivalent to betraying the country. All preconditions have been destroyed—the state has been hijacked, and by making this decision, you leave people in prison. There is no observer function, as NGOs are being dismantled when parties are banned. They mock the parties that express a desire to participate in elections, saying, ‘We might ban you!’ They’re doing them a favor!

Anyone who thinks they can seize the votes of other parties that don’t participate is an idiot and doesn’t understand elections. These local elections are meant to whitewash and beautify the ugliness called ‘Georgian Dream.’ Georgian society will not forgive anyone who participates in these elections,” Gigi Ugulava stated.