Elene Khoshtaria: I remain of the opinion that setting a specific date for change is not correct, but I have understood the public’s criticism that I received, which is that this dispute is better kept internal
According to Elene Khoshtaria, one of the leaders of the “Coalition for Change,” October 4 is not a decisive date, and a new phase of action should begin in September.
As she noted during an appearance on PalitraNews’ program “360 Degrees,” October 4 is an artificially created date by “Georgian Dream,” and the country’s fate does not hinge on this date.
“If you agree on a strategy, you should be able to negotiate tactically on the rest and act accordingly. I do not consider October 4 to be any kind of significant date because it is an artificial date created by ‘Georgian Dream.’ Moreover, the country’s fate does not depend on October 4. It’s not about saying that no one should take to the streets on the 4th, but I cannot deceive myself or anyone else by saying that something begins or ends on the 4th. It has already started—it’s been 250 days and it continues. We need a new phase. I believe this phase should start in September,” Khoshtaria stated.
According to her, the “street struggle” must become intense, and starting in September, the protest should move to a new phase.
Khoshtaria noted that the struggle must continue until October 4, but creating expectations around a single date is not correct.
“Not only does the street struggle have prospects, but we, as political parties, have the task of ensuring that the street struggle is intense. We have the task of starting a new phase in this protest. In my opinion, this is from September, when the issue of visa liberalization is pending, and we must make our voices heard.
I remain of the opinion that setting a specific date for change is not correct. However, I have understood the public’s criticism that I received, which is that this dispute is better kept internal. If any party crosses the ‘red line,’ and that ‘red line’ is cooperation with the regime, then anyone who crosses that line cannot be our partner.
I remain in the same position that we must fight until October 4. I don’t think it’s correct to designate one date when something will happen. I’ve realized that the public’s demand is: ‘If you’re on the same page, come to an agreement.’ There are forms that society dictates to us, so I am open to acknowledging my own mistakes as well,” Khoshtaria stated.
