Persecution will begin against those mayors who are not nominated as candidates now — their verdicts have already been written. Kakha Kaladze, meanwhile, is fighting to stay in the system, which means he is fighting for his own survival. He will do everything to become the mayoral candidate.

This is what Berdia Sichinava, one of the leaders of the For Georgia party, said during his appearance on PalitraNews's program Daily Newsroom.

According to Sichinava, Kakha Kaladze would not be a “good candidate” for Georgian Dream in the mayoral elections.

"Municipalities are drowning in corruption. As soon as they turn their attention to the mayors — including those who will not be nominated as candidates by the Georgian Dream party — naturally, persecution of these individuals will begin. There is also a political aspect to this — they currently need this political persecution in order to create the impression that they are fighting corruption. That’s why they should be very careful. Their verdicts have already been written. Kakha Kaladze is clinging on, fighting to stay in the system. Because staying in the system means survival for him — including in connection to various matters. He will do everything to become the mayoral candidate.”

“I don’t think Kaladze is a good candidate for Georgian Dream. This would be his third term. Simply put, Kaladze’s profile is incompatible with their so-called declared anti-corruption policy. Of course, that policy is just for show, but still,” said Sichinava.

In addition, Berdia Sichinava spoke about the results of the public opinion poll conducted by GORBI at the request of the Imedi TV channel. According to him, the fact that one of the questions related to parliamentary elections could mean that “parliamentary elections may be scheduled in the near future, in the spring.”

"Georgian Dream has one goal — to destroy the political opposition. Holding parliamentary elections against the backdrop of a destroyed opposition and obtaining a constitutional majority would be very easy for them. That’s why we were telling the opposition (our ‘colleagues’, though probably less so now) that participation in the local self-government elections is important — it’s an additional motivation for political struggle. We’re still saying it — giving up this political struggle is unacceptable. A weakened political party is in Georgian Dream's interest. And if you do this voluntarily, then either you’ve made a deal with Georgian Dream, or you’re just a useful idiot for their dream and a harmful one for yourself,” said Berdia Sichinava.

He also suggested that, ahead of the elections, Georgian Dream may adopt lenient measures and release “political prisoners” from prison.

“The facts are clear — the issue of political prisoners, prisoners of conscience, imprisoned actors, journalists, and women — is a major problem in society, even among the electorate that supported Georgian Dream on October 26. Theoretically, I do not rule out the possibility that Georgian Dream might not want to enter the pre-election process carrying this burden. It is possible that some lenient measures could be taken, including the release of these individuals. This would certainly be an important step. However, it will not change the political reality in the country. Solving just one issue will not allow Georgian Dream to resolve the political crisis in Georgia. Still, it would relieve them of some burden before the elections. If they are planning to make such a decision, they should make it in a timely manner,” said Sichinava.