Saakashvili’s mother dismisses charges against ex-President as ‘fabricated’, claiming public readiness to return to UNM path

“The public has re-evaluated the past and woken up to reality, comparing current conditions with the years before the government changed and realising those were Georgia’s most successful years,” Giuli Alasania, mother of former President Mikheil Saakashvili, declared during an opposition rally in Rike Park.

Alasania noted that the mood among the people gives her renewed hope.

“When I walk in the streets and meet people, support is clearly growing; it is at a peak right now because people have re-examined everything. They have reflected and drawn comparisons with what is happening today: rampant drug abuse and an unprecedented level of crime we thought was long forgotten. People now have the perspective to evaluate and compare. This gives me hope that this era must end, allowing us to resume a normal life. That is my expectation. Today, as a state, we are not in good shape. In truth, we have effectively lost our statehood over these past years, yet I remain hopeful. So many have woken up, made the comparison, and recognised that the years before the change of power were our finest and most successful. I see a society ready to return to the path that was cut short 14 years ago,” Alasania said.

Alasania also dismissed the criminal charges against her son as entirely fabricated.

“It is all completely made up. What does Girgvliani have to do with anything? What was actually going on there? Which of those charges is in any way substantiated? I have seen no evidence. If you ask me, they should have been thanking him for everything that was accomplished,” she insisted.

Despite poor weather, Alasania expressed satisfaction with the turnout at the Rike Park demonstration.

“I am very pleased, especially given the terrible weather; I honestly did not expect so many people. Supporters have travelled from across the regions—from Adjara, Samegrelo, Kutaisi. It is remarkable,” she added.