“The elections have been cancelled. Anyone who participates in any election under these conditions, without implementing fundamental changes, is nothing but a collaborator—an accomplice of the Russian occupation regime and, in essence, a slave,” former President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili stated during his remote participation in his November 7 case trial.

Saakashvili emphasized the need for the opposition to unite.

“There is often talk about whether we will participate or not in the local elections. People, this is an occupation-collaboration regime. The elections have been cancelled. Anyone who, under these circumstances, takes part in any election without fundamental reforms is simply a collaborator—an accomplice of the Russian occupation regime, and perhaps even a slave. The crucial point is that we must join forces, especially as the international situation is changing dramatically,” Saakashvili declared.

He also pointed out that the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has issued sharp criticisms of Russian policies. Saakashvili expressed his belief that Trump has always stood for justice.

“My friend, Donald Trump, signed a very significant agreement with Ukraine. I don’t call him my friend for nothing—he has repeatedly stated that he considers me a friend. He restored Ukraine’s sovereignty and began providing substantial military aid, and his administration made strong statements against Russian policies. I have always believed that Donald Trump would not abandon Ukraine. I believed he would stand on the side of justice. Despite some people disliking his statements, I have known him since 1994, and I understand what drives his healthy ambition. This counter-revolution will fail. No one will be able to return Georgia to the old era of obscurity and hopelessness because the international landscape has changed dramatically,” Saakashvili asserted.

Saakashvili also clarified that the truth is as clear as day regardless of propagandist efforts.

“Everything is very simple. No matter how much they try to spin their narratives, the truth is obvious. They are speaking to only about 20 per cent of their impoverished, miserable, or corrupt population—those who are either extremely poor, drowning in stolen money, or indulging in the blood of their own nation. This propaganda affects only them. The so-called commissions and various idiocies they’ve created are meant for this audience because no one else in the world takes them seriously. I receive strong support from many countries around the globe,” Saakashvili concluded.