"Georgian Dream" Initially Had a List of Politicians Whose Political Activities Were to Be Restricted, But They Paused Because, While "Dream" May Not Want EU Membership, Democracy, or Human Rights Protection, They Do Not Want to Destroy Economic Relations with the West, - one of the leaders of the "United National Movement," Levan Sanikidze, stated this during his appearance on PalitraNews's program "Day's Newsroom," responding to the constitutional lawsuit prepared by "Georgian Dream," with which the ruling party demands the banning of 3 political entities, including the "National Movement."

According to him, when there is no trace of democracy left in the country and elections are canceled, party activities lose their meaning.

"The cancellation of legal registration may be problematic for some. A political party exists to advance the interests of the people in various representative bodies, to gain a majority if possible, or to participate in forming a coalition and come to power. But when there is no trace of democracy left in the country and elections are canceled, all of this loses meaning. Regarding the action plan, we are actively working to ensure that the cancellation of our registration in Georgia does not reflect negatively on the political families abroad of which the 'National Movement' is a member. On the contrary, we may gain more solidarity and possibly more political weight. As for inside the country, this will give us the opportunity to introduce more new approaches.

In the first version, 'Georgian Dream' had a list of politicians whose political activities were to be restricted, but they paused because, while 'Dream' may not want EU membership, democracy, or human rights protection, they do not want to destroy economic relations with the West. Ivanishvili's function is to make Georgia a black hole for Russia, where various machinations will be carried out. If Georgia loses this function, Ivanishvili's economy will collapse, which Kobakhidze was ranting about. Accordingly, personally banning political figures is an extreme measure, and if he takes this step, we are all ready to continue the political struggle despite the cancellation. But with this step, Ivanishvili will harm himself more than us," Levan Sanikidze stated.

Sanikidze also responded to statements by leaders of the "For Georgia" party that "opposition parties banned themselves."

"If we banned ourselves, did Giorgi Gakharia run away himself? What's the logic? Gakharia was saying even before October 4 that he would enter Parliament, but what happened - did Gakharia get himself punished? Did Giorgi Gakharia get beaten by 'Dream' deputy Samkharadze? And why did he shake his hand? These people are spouting idiocy. No one is begging anyone; let them look at their own election results - they got a third of the votes. If they need to apologize to anyone, let them go to their voters. The 'National Movement' neither needs nor demands an apology from Giorgi Gakharia. If it's impossible to talk in any form with anyone, it's this team," Sanikidze stated.

Sanikidze also responded to statements made by members of the "Lelo" party regarding the "National Movement." According to him, "Lelo" is not in a position to speak to anyone in a harsh tone.

"Outrageous statements are being made by 'Lelo' representatives against several of our leaders, which have already taken the form of insults. I would advise them to restrain themselves; they are not in a position to speak in this tone. Talking about a united front with these people is simply impossible. Yesterday when they entered the city councils - is this or is this not an additional problem? Of course it is. No one will forget anything; we don't demand confession of sins from anyone, but we will reconcile with those with whom it's possible. Our strategy was and will be uncompromising struggle against Ivanishvili's government.

As for 'Lelo's' position that the only way to change the government is through elections, when Ivanishvili not only doesn't hold fair elections but tells you there will be no elections until 2028, and when there are, your name won't even be on the ballot - isn't this discussion ridiculous? The 'National Movement' has no intention of begging anyone, especially 'Lelo.' We want agreement on common points with those gathered collectively on Rustaveli Avenue, because Rustaveli Avenue is the main hub," Sanikidze stated.

In his assessment, for some opposition parties, fighting against the "National Movement" is more important than fighting against Ivanishvili's government.

"This is not pleasant, but the 'National Movement' is used to being in this position. For some opposition parties, fighting against the 'National Movement' is more important than against Ivanishvili's government. This is not unknown. If anyone has consistent experience in fighting Bidzina Ivanishvili, it's the 'National Movement,' which started this on October 1, 2012, at 9:00 PM; the others joined the opposition later. The 'National Movement' will agree and reconcile with those who have the will and ability, with whom consolidation is possible. 'Lelo' thinks they made a brilliant decision regarding participation in the elections. No one has a magic wand to create opposition unity. Opposition unity must be based on specific principles. But at this moment, I don't see readiness in opposition parties to have this desire," Sanikidze stated.

Regarding the October 26 protest in Tbilisi and the question of why the "National Movement" was dissatisfied and to whom the statement was directed that "appropriating the protest is an ungrateful act," Levan Sanikidze believes that in the elections held on October 26, 2024, the "National Movement" suffered particular damage, so when talking about the October 26 elections, the "National Movement's" voice should be heard.

"When we're talking about the falsification of the October 26 elections, if anyone suffered particular damage on that day, it was the 'United National Movement.' Therefore, when we talk about the falsification of the October 26 elections and the 'National Movement's' voice is not heard, but the voices of people who weren't even on the ballot are heard, I don't consider this relevant or correct," Sanikidze stated.