Ivanishvili Calls for Strong Victory to End Radicalism and Ensure Peace in Georgia
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Bidzina Ivanishvili, honorary chairman of Georgian Dream, has called for a decisive victory in the upcoming elections to end radicalism and ensure Georgia's peaceful development. Speaking at the opening of the new central office of Georgian Dream, Ivanishvili emphasized that a strong victory, equal to a constitutional majority, is necessary to end the influence of what he terms the "war party" and its agents in the country.
Ivanishvili expressed concern that involvement in a war would have devastating consequences for Georgia, worse than those experienced by Ukraine. He criticized the "global war party" for supporting the old and new United National Movement, accusing them of being willing to involve Georgia in conflict if given the opportunity.
"The desire of the global war party is clear. After seeing that we will not get involved in the war and cannot sacrifice Georgia to share the fate of Ukraine, they have a last attempt to return to power the agents, the collective National Movement, which will take this step as soon as it receives the task," Ivanishvili said.
He highlighted the achievements of Georgian Dream, including maintaining peace, doubling the country's nominal economy in dollars, and receiving EU candidate status despite significant challenges. Ivanishvili stressed that the upcoming elections are crucial for consolidating peace and ensuring Georgia's European perspective.
"In the October 26 parliamentary elections, Georgia will certainly beat the forces that have been trying to bring chaos to Georgia and drag the country into a war for the past 4 years," Ivanishvili stated.
He also underscored the need for accountability, stating that the collective United National Movement must answer for their past actions, particularly those related to the 2008 war and its consequences.
"After the elections, they will have to answer for all the crimes they committed during their time in power, especially the execution of the order in 2008 and the country's involvement in the war, which cost our country the temporary loss of two historic regions," Ivanishvili said.
Ivanishvili concluded by noting that the influence of the "global war party" over American and European bureaucracy could change once the war in Ukraine ends, potentially altering Georgia's international position.
"We have a maximum of one year to endure, after which global and regional political interests, as well as interests towards Georgia in particular, will fundamentally change," Ivanishvili said.
Ivanishvili expressed confidence that Georgian Dream will achieve the necessary majority in the upcoming elections, ensuring the country's continued peaceful development and alignment with European standards.
