“What is happening today reminds me of the 1990s - crime, theft, stabbings and murders have increased. This is the result of this regime, which is why it is important for this government to be changed as soon as possible,” Shalva Kereselidze, a member of the For Georgia party, said on PalitraNews’ program “Day's Newsroom.”

According to him, the imprisonment of journalist Vakho Sanaya, the killing and wounding of young people in the streets, and the existence of political prisoners are all examples of “acting in the Kremlin’s style.”

Kereselidze said that Georgian Dream would inevitably have to leave office and relinquish power through elections in 2028.

“None of this surprises me anymore. What is happening today reminds me of the 1990s, when I was a student. People have become so accustomed to it that it no longer even provokes a major reaction in society, except on social media. This is the result of this regime. People involved in crime see that violence is possible in the streets, that violence is ‘acceptable’ in the police, and that violence is ‘acceptable’ in Parliament, and they wonder why such actions should not be ‘acceptable’ for them as well. That is why crime has increased - theft, stabbings, murders and so on. This is why it is important for this government to be changed as quickly and as soon as possible. I am certain that this will happen. Of course, through democratic means and elections.

“We have already come to resemble the Kremlin’s style. Now we are moving closer to North Korea’s style. The imprisonment of Vakho Sanaya is nothing other than following the Kremlin’s style of action. What we saw several days ago - I mean the killing of young people - is nothing other than resembling the Kremlin’s style. What we see in the form of young political prisoners who are actually in prison for no reason is nothing other than Putin’s policy,” Kereselidze said.

The opposition politician also discussed the inclusion of the Kulevi oil refinery in the EU’s 21st package of sanctions against Russia, saying that “all of this will have a negative impact on Georgia’s economy, but it will have an even greater negative impact on the country’s reputation.”

According to Kereselidze, this is a classic example of how the Georgian government is sacrificing the country’s strategic interests for corrupt money.

“This is a very unfortunate process for the country. It is precisely because of the government’s corrupt money and policies that the state is acquiring such a tarnished reputation. Of course, I mean Russian money, which Georgian officials receive in exchange for supplying oil to Russia. This is yet another classic example of how the Georgian government is sacrificing the country’s strategic interests for corrupt money. Instead of thinking about what steps we should take to join the great European family as quickly as possible, they have changed the political situation in such a way that it has brought us to this decision.

“Of course, this is not a desirable situation. All of this will have a negative impact on Georgia’s economy, but it will have an even greater negative impact on the country’s reputation. When you, as the Georgian state, are involved in such processes and, for the sake of corrupt money, move toward damaging your country’s international reputation, this is precisely a betrayal of the country’s interests,” Kereselidze said.

He also discussed the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the National Defense Authorization Act bill, which also addresses Georgia. Shalva Kereselidze believes that the U.S. assessment of Georgia “will be very tough” and that the Georgian government will be forced to change its positions, narrative and approach.

“Although the Georgian government stands out for its criticism, insults and abuse directed at both the governments of EU member states and the United States, regardless of which administration is in power in the U.S., it has always respected and continues to respect the Georgian state and people, not the government. The assistance we have received and continue to receive from the U.S. is precisely due to the Georgian people and state.

“Let us look at yesterday’s meeting in Ergneti: the occupiers are demanding that Georgia surrender its own territory - Chorchana - and are demanding the removal of the Chorchana checkpoint. The fact that they dare to go this far and that the Russian Federation is openly taking over territory in the Tskhinvali region is precisely a consequence of Georgia changing its policy toward the United States and the European Union and no longer considering them strategic partners. When their support and solidarity were clear and unequivocal, the Russians did not dare to do such things. This is the real result. Let us wait. I am certain that this assessment will be very tough and that the government will be forced to change its positions, narrative and approach,” Kereselidze said.

As for speculation that the suspension of hearings in the so-called “sabotage case” may be connected to Georgian Dream negotiating with the United States, the opposition MP said that “the government will also have to release political prisoners and change many other things.”

“Bidzina Ivanishvili believes that political prisoners are his bargaining chip. Let us see what happens. This government will have to release political prisoners and take many other important steps in order to somehow maintain its rule and get through until 2028. Responsibilities will be individual - for Bidzina Ivanishvili, members of the government, members of Parliament and representatives of the judiciary.

“Georgian Dream will have to change a great deal. Not only change, but also make concessions. I will tell you more: it will even have to relinquish its own power and government. That time will come very soon. Of course, through elections and democratic means. In 2028, it will definitely have to leave office and relinquish power,” Kereselidze said.