Kakha Kaladze, the Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia party’s candidate for Tbilisi Mayor, addressed the capital’s residents from the newly rehabilitated Vere Park ahead of the elections. Kaladze reminded his fellow citizens that on October 4, a pivotal day for the country’s future and capital, the support of every Tbilisi resident will be crucial.

“Greetings, my friends, and greetings to my beloved Tbilisi and its people!

The place where I stand now lies within one of Tbilisi’s historic parks, one of our city’s oldest and most important recreational spaces, whose rehabilitation we have only just completed. Look how beautifully it presents itself today. This is what care looks like, what respect looks like, and most importantly, what love for Tbilisi and its people looks like.

It is love that lends this city its special charm, that has created wonderful Tbilisi stories, that has shown the world examples of people of different religions, ethnicities and cultures living together in harmony, that has turned Tbilisi’s relationships into tradition, that has made it possible for history to meet the future in Tbilisi’s streets, and has breathed an eternally youthful spirit into a city centuries old. But love is not merely beautiful words or stories; it is a daily effort, tireless labour, constant care and attention. It features renewed avenues and streets, revitalised historic districts, new parks, rehabilitated gardens and squares, modern kindergartens, and improved public transport, addressing decades of accumulated issues and confronting them directly. It is the joy that arises from enhancing the lives of fellow citizens, from bringing happiness to individual families; it is support for young people and care for the elderly…

Yes, the love my team and I feel for this city is reflected in the names of particular people, streets, neighbourhoods, and in all the programmes, projects, and reforms that have transformed Tbilisi for the better.

We have much to say about Tbilisi, because over the past eight years, we have successfully travelled a rather difficult road so that today we can look you boldly in the eye and not shy away from speaking with you. As Mayor of Tbilisi, I am proud of the journey we have taken, which has already left a clear mark on Tbilisi, and today, as a candidate for Tbilisi mayorality, I permit myself to speak to you not of vague promises but of clear action plans that I intend to implement together with you.

We must create this city’s future together. It is impossible for one person, whoever they may be, to shoulder such enormous responsibility. Tbilisi desperately needs your support if all the programmes we have started are to continue, if all the projects that will finally overcome the capital’s existing problems are to be completed. I can tell you with complete sincerity that the only political force capable of meeting these challenges is Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia.

Fellows, October 4 represents another watershed date in the life of our country and capital, a turning point towards a better future, towards a Tbilisi where life will be dignified and worthy of pride for everyone. I believe that on October 4, we shall celebrate victory for a third time and together build a brighter future for our beautiful capital. Peace to Georgia, and greater prosperity to Tbilisi!” declared Kakha Kaladze.