Iago Khvichia, a member of the parliamentary opposition Girchi Party, believes that polarization in the country will end if jailed ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili is allowed to be “openly involved” in Georgian politics.

Iago Khvichia said he remembered how the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party fulfilled the 12 recommendations of the European Commission, and he could not imagine how the GD Honorable Chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili would contribute to the fulfilment of the EC’s newly defined nine steps. However, the Girchi member said the party would engage.

Iago Kvichia further said that Bidzina Ivanishvili should act as a “true philanthropist” and respond to Saakashvili with kindness, allowing him to engage in politics openly since this would be a step towards depolarization.

According to the Girchi party member, Mikheil Saakashvili should return to politics the same way as Bidzina Ivanishvili.

“Until we manage to reconcile two key players in Georgian politics, Bidzina Ivanishvili and Mikheil Saakashvili, we should not hope for success. We were told of depolarization. Its fulfilment will not be possible with new regulations, restrictions, and Saakashvili’s transfer from the clinic to prison. Both should see their roles in this country, and both should have the opportunity to work politically,” he said.

Former GD Chair Bidzina Ivanishvili announced his political comeback on December 30 at the GD party congress.