Ex-President Saakashvili draws parallels with the Odyssey, claiming only he is fit to rule Georgia

“Odysseus returns after 20 years of wandering, only to find numerous suitors vying for his wife, Penelope, who all turn on Odysseus with immense fury. Consider Penelope as the reins of power in Georgia, and her suitors as the Georgian ‘opposition’, who realise that I am far better suited to Penelope,” former President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili wrote on social media.

According to Saakashvili, his objective is to firmly place Georgia back on the path of progress and development.

“I spoke not only of Mandela, but also of Brazilian President Lula, who was imprisoned after his presidency, released, and became president once more. My speech at the recent ‘court’ hearing, which opposition television channels covered terribly, had more views on my page than all news bulletins and talk shows on every Georgian-language channel combined. Most people reacted with enthusiasm to the statement posted on my card, yet the reaction of others, particularly opposition figures, evoked in me an association with The Odyssey.

I read this book in early childhood, and back then, with its Cyclopes, sorceresses, and Sirens, I perceived it merely as a fairy tale. Now, however, I watched the recently released film and saw the deep philosophical essence of Odysseus.

Odysseus returns after 20 years of wandering, slipping secretly into his homeland in disguise, where he encounters the many suitors of his wife, Penelope, who have long been trying to ‘snatch’ her. The appearance of Odysseus was never part of their plans, and they all attack Odysseus together with ferocious rage.

Consider Penelope as the reins of power in Georgia, and her suitors as the Georgian ‘opposition’, who realise that I am far better suited to Penelope, yet blame me for their own failures rather than themselves, attempting to trample and destroy me. It is a very fine film! I recommend everyone watch it.

As for me, I am preparing for the monumental changes ahead. My mission is to firmly restore Georgia to its path of development, to rebuild our shattered education, healthcare, and state institutions, to fend off the threats arising from Russia’s collapse, and to reclaim Abkhazia. The return of Odysseus is truly worth it for all of this, even if it ultimately demands his ultimate sacrifice. So, that is the philosophical tract I have come up with,” Saakashvili writes.