Girchi’s Khvichia: I can’t recall any revolution pre-announced for specific date and actually happened

“I can’t recall any episode in world history when a revolution was pre-announced for a specific date and actually happened on that day. Revolution is the result of everyday processes,” stated Iago Khvichia, leader of the Girchi party.

Khvichia was asked to comment on a statement by United National Movement member Levan Khabeishvili, who declared: “We cannot defeat Ivanishvili without overthrow. A national, popular mobilisation is needed. We have a natural deadline on October 4 if it happens before then, even better.”

“According to one of Khabeishvili’s similar explanations, Misha [Saakashvili] should already be out by now, so I won’t get into that. As for communication with the opposition, no one has emerged. I think it’s not even decided yet whether Lelo’s and Gakharia’s plans will change. Accordingly, it wouldn’t be right for me to speak before these people express their positions. Let’s observe the situation. I don’t understand at all why this madness is happening in the country whose interests it serves.

Generally, I can’t recall any episode from world history when they pre-announced: ‘We will stage a revolution on this day,’ and it actually happened on that day. I believe that revolution results from ongoing, daily processes rather than from waiting for a specific day and expecting an uprising to occur spontaneously. I can’t tell you – I’m not involved with any of them. For now, I’m observing what’s happening around us, and until I form a complete picture, I don’t want to say anything excessive about anyone,” Iago Khvichia declared.

Regarding the opposition’s actions, when assessing the situation, Iago Khvichia noted:

“Perhaps Lelo will at least gain some understanding during their time in prison and consider dedicating the privatised television channel to someone else while they are incarcerated. Maybe someone will find ways to secure their release, as their actions so far have undermined everything that once symbolised protest in this country. Even after participating in elections and ending up in prison, they should consider not having their own resources blocked simply for holding different opinions. Before devising any plans, they need to start a conversation.

It’s evident that in this country, opposition voices—such as those of Lelo—are restricted to closed spaces, making open dialogue nearly impossible. As long as these channels remain shut, I believe they are doing little to secure their release from prison. I also think Misha [Saakashvili] consistently shows solidarity with those who are imprisoned, but I remain uncertain about the stance of the rest of the UNM—to what extent can we consider their position to reflect that of the United National Movement?”

Regarding the question of whether it is possible that Khabeishvili’s position not be presented as the National Movement’s position?” Iago Khvichia responded:

“First of all, this is Khabeishvili’s individual stance and then the position of the UNM. Keep in mind, Misha is the spiritual leader of the United National Movement supporters, and they generally do not diverge from each other.”