Georgia’s jailed ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili commented on social media that while today’s rally turnout is significant, it is not the decisive factor. He emphasized that sustained rallies, quality of resistance, and the commitment of organizers are more critical.

Saakashvili noted that society, both inside and outside Georgia, showed extraordinary self-organization during the October 26 elections.

“Public anger is high, and whether this will grow into a strong protest movement depends on consistent leadership from the political spectrum and civil society. The world is watching—shocked by the election fraud and waiting to see if Georgians will resist. Our future is in our hands. We must understand that this is more than stolen elections; a dictatorship is being imposed on Georgia, hoping we will accept this ‘new reality.’

The regime plans to stifle remaining freedoms and launch widespread repression. A large-scale ethnic cleansing is underway, with up to a million more people likely to be forced out. We don’t have much time. We need patience, yes, but even more, we need determined resistance against this de facto dictatorship. We must fight as long as we can—and as long as it takes,” Saakashvili wrote.