Kakha Kaladze: I intend to run for mayor, and I intend to defeat all radical groups. They’ve expressed readiness, saying they might take Tbilisi from us — let them participate, and we’ll see who takes what from whom

I intend to run for mayor, and I intend to defeat all of you radical groups. As for the opposition, they will do whatever they are instructed, whatever they are told or ordered from the outside, said the Mayor of Tbilisi, Kakha Kaladze.

According to him, whether the opposition unites ahead of the elections or not "doesn't really matter."

"Whether the opposition unites or remains fragmented, it makes no real difference. A few months ago, we heard radical statements from them that none of them would participate in the local self-government elections. Recall their statements on the matter. We’ve always said—and I’ll repeat again today—that they will do whatever they are ordered to do from abroad. They claimed they had a principled position not to participate in the elections. Well, the local elections are coming very soon, and we’ll see whether they participate or not. These are groups of people who have no principles whatsoever. When you're an agent, you don’t belong to yourself, your family, or your country. They serve specific foreign masters. So, they will do as they’re told. As for our team, we’ve already begun preparations for the election," Kaladze stated.

When asked whether he himself intends to remain a mayoral candidate, Kaladze confirmed:

"I intend to run for mayor, and I intend to defeat all of you radical groups. I will defeat you, and together with the Georgian people, put you in your rightful place—which is your natural state."

Kaladze added that whether or not the opposition participates in the election "makes no real difference."

"They’ve expressed supposed readiness, saying maybe they’ll take Tbilisi from us. Let them participate—we’ll see who takes what from whom," said Kaladze.