Bidzina Ivanishvili, Chairman of Georgian Dream–Democratic Georgia Party addresses Georgian citizens.
“I would like to address to my people! Based on the responsibility that lies with me in front of you!
First of all, thanks to those who once again have expressed confidence to us, thanks to those who, despite many problems, believe in our path! However, today the most important thing for me is to address those who are disappointed!
I completely understand you! I understand your disappointment; I understand that you are disgruntled, because your life has not improved significantly; I understand that you are disgruntled, because you think that some officials are more concerned about their welfare than about caring for the people; you are disgruntled, because you think that today’s authorities have not been able to restore justice;
Many of you are angry because we have allowed the possibility of returning the violent regime permissible. Today, I am not going to talk about the 9-year regime or about our achievements.
Today, the most important thing is that our homeland is again at a historic crossroads – there is a high risk of making wrong decisions, but at the same time, this is the best moment for new opportunities, renewal.
A few months ago I had to come back to politics. I had to, as I saw that the problems were deepening and there was no effective mechanism for responding to them. However, it turned out that the people saw these problems even deeper and more clearly. Today I cannot disagree with you.
However, we should remember one thing! Our opponent is not a political party. Unfortunately, today, perpetrators, united for revenge are against us. We are facing great ordeal and we have allowed it. When authorities move away from the people, it loses the confidence of the people, and now I want to say publicly:
Our political union exists only to serve the people. This is an opportunity to achieve our ultimate goal – a better future for the people. Therefore, if the “Georgian Dream” is unable to work, if any branch of it fails to serve the people, I will be the first who will oppose them. But we must not allow that force to benefit from these mistakes, who really want to destroy all those values that are so precious for us. These mistakes need to be properly seen and criticized.
Opponents are conducting a campaign based only on lies. They shamelessly voice the promises which under the parliamentary system are completely beyond the authority of the president and at the same time they openly announce the release of people accused of torture and oppression, which contributes directly to the destabilization…
Despite the many successes we have achieved in our country since 2012, poverty still remains a main challenge of the country. Consequently, we need decisive changes, first of all, for socially vulnerable groups. Unlike many populists, I am not going to talk about specific figures, but I will definitely say that the benefits and allowances for pensioners and IDPs should be radically revised!
The staff policy should be urgently changed, and it must be based on experienced people and must constantly attract new staff, especially, young people. Young people should be involved in the country’s governance and development of its policy!
My friends, the country is on its turning point when people become the author of epochal changes, and our nation has repeatedly shown such wisdom.
I would like to remind you what I said before the elections – I take responsibility to correct all the shortcomings of the governance in a year and to use all resources to make the country’s development irreversible.
Now the main thing is that people, who are annoyed at certain officials and wish to punish the government, must show caution in the presidential election in order not to punish the own country. I am convinced that we will make a choice to protect our people’s well-being, freedom and dignity, and we will together be able to build Georgia, that is oriented on humans”, – Bidzina Ivanishvili said.
