Ex-President Saakashvili: Absolute majority supports my course, I would finish this regime in a week if I were free

Georgia’s jailed ex-President  Mikheil Saakashvili stated at the Tbilisi City Court that a “new generation” is emerging and that Georgia is now far more prepared for change than it was in 2003. He made the remarks during a court hearing related to the dispersal of the November 7, 2007 rally and the raid on Imedi TV.

According to Saakashvili, the unification of all opposition parties is the only path forward.

“I would like to greet my long-unseen comrades. I have not been in this courtroom for three and a half years, and I have missed you very much. Today marks a challenging period. The dictatorship that has plagued Georgia’s history has created a divide between us and the free world, but I am here to convey that there is hope. The regime is not only isolated from the free world but also from Russia. On one side are vast financial resources and ruthlessness; on the other, we must embody courage. Only through this courage can we, as a society, overcome fear and speak the truth.

Many people could not withstand the reforms of the Rose Revolution. We faced nepotism and corruption, which had serious consequences, even for us. Many were dissatisfied. At that time, Levan Berdzenishvili stated that Saakashvili wanted to create a Danish model in Georgia, and he believed it would not work. We were offered the option of continuing life in a Georgian puppet state. Badri Patarkatsishvili was a Russian criminal oligarch, and when rallies were organized with his and Usoyan’s support, I chose to resign from my position. If I had continued on my path, would corruption and crime have returned to Georgia? Would there now be 800,000 socially vulnerable people?

There is an absolute majority supporting my vision for the future, and a new generation of Misha is emerging. Today, Georgia is far more prepared for change than it was in 2003. If I were outside and able to move freely across the country, I could bring about change in a week. The only chance we have is through the unification of all political parties. What are we fighting for? On one side, there is a swamp; on the other, there is the truth. This is a country conquered by barbarians, where Bidzina the Cruel, the most deceitful figure, has taken control of society, and where talent is being overshadowed by incompetence,” he said.

Saakashvili also commented on Ukraine during the hearing.

“The last time I was in this courtroom, Russian troops were standing near Kyiv. They failed to take Kyiv or any other major city. Ukraine has problems, but Russia is defeated,” he said.

After delivering his statement, Saakashvili left the courtroom. The hearing will continue in a closed session with the questioning of witnesses.