“In conditions of suppressed justice and democracy, some politicians have decided to try to wrest Tbilisi from Ivanishvili in the local elections, failing to realize they are entering a dirty, already lost game. They also don’t comprehend that they lack both the resources and the capability to do so,” said opposition politician Armaz Akhvediani on PalitraNews’ program “Daily Newsroom,” commenting on the participation of two parties—“Lelo/Strong Georgia” and “Gakharia for Georgia”—in the local government elections.

According to him, they will not be able to dismantle this regime in the near future because they lack both the resources and public support.

As Akhvediani notes, a fundamental change is needed in the opposition’s political landscape, and a new force must emerge.

“When they decide to participate in this criminal procedure that Ivanishvili calls local elections, for me, that is no longer opposition. Whether directly or indirectly, willingly or unwillingly, they are playing the regime’s game. It is shameful, regrettable, and a stab in the back for Georgian statehood. I’m putting it mildly. In conditions of suppressed justice and democracy, some politicians have decided to try to wrest Tbilisi from Ivanishvili in the local elections, failing to realize they are entering a dirty, already lost game. They also don’t comprehend that they lack the resources or the capability. They will not be able to stop or dismantle this regime in the near future because they have neither the resources nor the public’s support. A fundamental change is needed in the opposition’s political landscape, and a new force must emerge,” Akhvediani stated.

The opposition politician notes that he and those standing with him will do everything to ensure “a great national consensus in Georgia, which Ivanishvili’s Putinist regime has undermined.”

“The new government must realize and take into account that today’s supporters of ‘Georgian Dream’ are our citizens. It doesn’t matter who made what mistake. I mean mistakes made during elections. I say this on my behalf and on behalf of those standing with me. I am not speaking on behalf of the political opposition. I am speaking on behalf of others, and I tell you, we will do everything to ensure a great national consensus in Georgia, which Ivanishvili’s anti-Western, anti-national, and Putinist regime has undermined,” Akhvediani noted.

Additionally, he responded to a question about Giorgi Gakharia, stating that if Ivanishvili and Kobakhidze deem it necessary, they might even reach Gakharia abroad.

According to him, this Belarusian-style experience could affect not only Gakharia but also those on Rustaveli Avenue.

“If Ivanishvili and Kobakhidze deem it necessary, they might even reach [Gakharia abroad]. The Bachiashvili case confirms this. Bachiashvili’s case is criminal. What did they do to him in prison?! Who will punish them, Ivanishvili’s pocket prosecutor’s office and his pocket court?! What are we supposed to believe?! If this isn’t Russian, then let Kobakhidze, Mdinaradze, or anyone else tell me what it is. This Belarusian experience might not only affect Gakharia but also those who have dealt heavier blows to this regime. Who are they? The people on Rustaveli,” the politician stated.

Akhvediani also spoke about the potential suspension of visa liberalization, stating that “it is the absolutely logical result of anti-European policy that the issue of visa liberalization is now under such a question mark.”

“The cancellation of visa liberalization would be a direct crime, and the responsibility lies with ‘Georgian Dream’ and no one else. The EU is telling us, all of Georgia, and ‘Georgian Dream’ that either you take into account the demands of your people and ours, which relate to restoring dialogue, renewing the democratic process, and so on, or you will be held accountable for the suspension of visa liberalization and other steps we will have to take,” he noted.

Akhvediani also commented on statements by ‘Georgian Dream’ members regarding the outflow of citizens and emigrants, stating that the ruling party’s repressive policy is driving people to leave Georgia.

“This reminds me of when the Soviet authorities offered Ekvtime Takaishvili to return to demonstrate the superiority of the Soviet system. Ekvtime returned, and after being interrogated by the Cheka, he died—we know under what conditions. How many dozens of people attended his funeral? This is what came to mind with their shameful, deplorable call for someone to return. Also, regarding the claim that visa liberalization is encouraging the outflow of people from Georgia. I address the representatives of ‘Georgian Dream’—your repressive policy, gross injustice, including in the economy, is what encourages the outflow of people from the country. When a person faces a dead-end perspective, of course, they will think about leaving. This is because of you, your failures, and nothing else,” Akhvediani stated.