“Now, I am constantly accused of not acting more decisively in 2011–2012, when I was confronted with the threat posed by Ivanishvili. In reality, I did everything I could during the election campaign to inform the public about what to expect if Ivanishvili was elected,” writes former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili on social media.

Saakashvili emphasises that he and Ivanishvili are fundamentally different individuals.

“Taking more aggressive action would have been like when your girlfriend has her eye on someone else, and you respond by hitting her, injuring her, and imprisoning her in your house. If I had stopped Ivanishvili by other means, it would have meant becoming like him, establishing a dictatorship. I simply could not do that. The reason is straightforward: Ivanishvili and I are worlds apart. He has zero empathy for the people, whereas I love them. That is why I could never act as this dangerous villain does. I hope you understand my position,” Saakashvili concludes.