Gedevan Popkhadze: Robin Dunnigan’s departure will not lead to America accepting an authoritarian, pro-Russian regime. U.S. ambassadors are not appointed according to the taste of anti-American regimes. As for Georgian Dream – they are definitely in need of a lifeline

"Whoever is appointed ambassador to Georgia, the overall situation will not change. U.S. ambassadors are not appointed according to the taste of anti-American regimes.”

This statement was made by one of the leaders of the "Coalition for Change," Gedevan Popkhadze, while commenting on the departure of U.S. Ambassador Robin Dunnigan from her post in Georgia.

As Popkhadze noted on Palitra News’ program “Free Studio,” the ambassador’s replacement will not change the existing reality, because, according to him, the U.S. position toward anti-American regimes remains unchanged.

"A person has every right to leave their ambassadorial post and retire. If that is her public decision, why should we search for conspiracy theories and hidden motives? I believe that the false hope Georgian Dream usually clings to in such cases—that the U.S. will start supporting totalitarian regimes worldwide—is misguided. The ambassador’s departure won’t mean that America will accept Georgia’s authoritarian, pro-Russian regime. Across the ocean, we hear the same descriptions—that Georgian Dream is an anti-American government. Whoever the ambassador is, this reality won’t change. U.S. ambassadors are not appointed according to the taste of anti-American regimes. And yes, Georgian Dream is clearly desperate and clinging to straws.”

Popkhadze also spoke about the upcoming local self-government elections and the European Parliament's call to opposition parties to seize this opportunity. According to him, while there is a rational message in such statements, the real political environment in Georgia does not allow for this to be fully realized:

“It is normal for political parties to view elections as a space of opportunity. But the current reality in Georgia must be considered. The same statement also emphasizes that for elections to become an opportunity—and not something else—the electoral environment must be changed. The Venice Commission’s conclusions must be taken into account. We also have around 60 political prisoners. In this situation, we can no longer talk about a normal electoral environment.”

Regarding possible boycott scenarios, Popkhadze was asked what "Plan B" should be. He responded that in case of a boycott, unity and uncompromising struggle are necessary, adding that self-government elections do not change the government:

“I believe we must unite around this boycott. Those of us who agree that not recognizing this Russian-collaborationist regime is the key principle must stand together and show maximum determination in the struggle. I don’t want to dictate specific methods, as that’s a matter for discussion. Even within the coalition, there’s no single position. I may have a more radical view; others may prefer a more academic approach. But everyone talking about local elections is merely echoing Bidzina Ivanishvili’s voice.”

“There is no electoral path. Believing there is would be self-deception. It’s hypocrisy to talk about participating in elections when there are around 60 political prisoners, the media is being silenced, and the State Security Service is managing the pre-election situation everywhere. No one changes governments through local elections,” Popkhadze concluded.