Opposition parties that refused to participate in local self-government elections, along with civil activists, have announced a protest rally for July 19.

At a briefing held today, the opposition representatives stated: “We recognize only new, free parliamentary elections and refuse to participate in the Russian special operation.”

The statement, distributed by eight opposition parties, outlined their position on the current political situation:

“The final victory of the Georgian people requires consistent isolation of Ivanishvili and his party not only at the national and international, but also at the local level. For this reason, we have decided to remain fully loyal to the popular resistance movement confronting the authoritarian regime.”

The opposition has called on all citizens who believe that “salvation lies only in regime change” to join the July 19 protest rally.

“We recognize only free elections! No to the Russian special operation! Our struggle is just; if we stand firm, together we will definitely win!” the statement concluded.