Nika Gvaramia: Revolutionary Committee members merit support, but society awaits truth

“The logic of the revolution is cynical, like the Olympic system – lose and go (to prison), if you win, ‘the winners are not tried. It is for this self-sacrifice that the members of the Revolutionary Committee deserve respect, sympathy, and support, but society really deserves the truth from them,” Nika Gvaramia, leader of the Akhali Party, wrote in his social media post.

He called on society for continued protest, arguing that the country faces a critical period after a “double blow” to the opposition and outlining a three-point strategy for future success.

“First, the opposition’s non-cooperation. The most decisive step was, and remains, the refusal to accept parliamentary mandates. Nothing we politicians have done carries greater weight than this, neither in form nor in substance. The regime’s illegitimacy stems directly from this decision, and it has become the main—though not sufficient—precondition for the international isolation and sanctions against Kotsi. Reconsidering this is simply unacceptable. The blow to legitimacy came with the involvement of mainstream parties in the elections. Even so, their participation did not legitimize the so-called “self-government elections”: 100% results in many districts, no real observers, and record-low turnout in Tbilisi—less than one-third of voters (and without the opposition’s entry, turnout would not have even reached one-fourth). As a result, these elections were not recognized, leaving Kaladze with the status of a “so-called mayor.” There were no international congratulations—only extremely negative responses.

Second, engagement with foreign actors. So far, this has largely succeeded, and I believe it is one of the reasons leaders are being targeted and arrested.

Third — and most important — protest. Today, protest serves two functions at once: it prevents the opposition from entering the parliament and it pressures for international sanctions. That is why I expect large rallies in the coming weeks: one Saturday with British and Georgian flags demanding “Sanction Bidzina,” another with EU and Georgian flags calling to “Sanction the regime,” and another with American and Georgian flags pushing for adopting the MEGOBARI ACT. This will give the protest a concrete aim, bring it back onto international radars, and likely restart the process of meaningful pressure,” Gvaramia declared.