Georgia’s ruling party Sec Gen on Saakashvili-opposition rift: opposition that failed to stay united cannot govern country

Kakha Kaladze, the mayor of Tbilisi and secretary general of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Wednesday said that the unity between the imprisoned former president Mikheil Saakashvili and the so-called “opposition alliance” was the result of external instructions and was not based on ideology, patriotism, or the interests of the public, commenting on the recently exposed rift between the sides.

In his remarks, Kaladze noted it was clear from the beginning that the alliance would not last long. He recalled that the unity had been announced with significant fanfare just a few weeks ago, but added that its fragility was immediately evident.

“Their unity was imposed from the outside and was not based on any ideology, love for the country, or the interests of the people. It was clear from the outset that this unity would not last long”, he said.

Kaladze further highlighted that the current confrontation and mutual accusations among the parties confirmed this assessment.

“This was an imposed process directed from the outside, and the result is evident. It is clear how they oppose and insult each other. These are people who are controlled externally, have no alignment with the country’s interests, and are enemies of the state”, Kaladze noted.

The official further emphasised that the group failed to manage even its internally constructed unity.

“They could not manage their own unity, so how can they claim they will govern the country? Once again, we all know who these individuals are, who directs them, and who gives them instructions”, he continued.

The official reiterated that the alliance was not built on ideology or public interest.

“Their unity was, of course, the result of external instructions. It was not based on ideology, love for the country, or the interests of the people. It was imposed by their patrons from outside”, Kaladze added.

Commenting on the disputes and mutual accusations among civic activists, Kaladze said he does not delve deeply into such matters but noted that divisions and problems within these groups are evident.

“I do not know how accurate the specific allegations are. Relevant agencies will likely take interest, and the investigation will determine the truth. However, what has been discussed is certainly serious and very unfortunate”, Kaladze concluded.