Petre Tsiskarishvili, General Secretary of the Unity-National Movement coalition, has emphasized that the opposition should be demanding the resignation of the government rather than pushing for new elections.

According to Tsiskarishvili, any new elections should take place in a “cleansed environment,” with the State Security Service of Georgia (SSG) and the Central Election Commission (CEC) comprised of members who enjoy the trust of society.

Speaking on PalitraNews’ program Day Newsroom, Tsiskarishvili stated, “New elections should be held once the current government is gone. Frankly, I said 1.5 months ago that it’s absurd to demand new elections from Bidzina Ivanishvili.”

Tsiskarishvili also addressed the possibility of establishing an interim investigation commission in parliament to probe into the activities of the United National Movement (UNM), suggesting that if the Georgian Dream were to pursue this, it would ultimately serve as a “political advertisement” for the UNM, highlighting the Georgian Dream’s true opposition.

“We would actually welcome such a move, as they have threatened,” he said.

Regarding the ongoing mass protests and the statements made by jailed ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili, Tsiskarishvili noted that the goal of the opposition should be to “distance people from Bidzina Ivanishvili’s system.” He highlighted the fact that the protests have maintained their momentum for over two months, with thousands of people rallying on Rustaveli Avenue daily.

Despite the government’s attempts to downplay the significance of the protests, Tsiskarishvili believes that the demonstrations have been successful in mobilizing public discontent.

“Those who were convinced before the elections that Bidzina Ivanishvili was leading the country towards a European future with dignity, peace, and prosperity are now disillusioned,” he said.

Tsiskarishvili emphasized that the main objective of the opposition should be to “separate and distance people from Ivanishvili’s system,” and he believes that Mikheil Saakashvili is uniquely positioned to achieve this goal.

“I think no one is better equipped to fulfil this goal than Misha. He could be the one to do this most quickly, effectively, and efficiently. While it may not be possible to bring everyone over to our side, Misha’s contribution to isolating Ivanishvili and leaving him with only a narrow entourage would be immeasurable.”