UNM’s Khabeishvili: Passive approach cannot defeat Bidzina Ivanishvili

Levan Khabeishvili, Chairman of the Political Council of the opposition United National Movement, has said that a passive approach to opposing Bidzina Ivanishvili is ineffective.

In a letter sent from prison, Khabeishvili stated that greater political activism is necessary.

“Mdinaradze’s statement regarding cryptocurrency mining in Svaneti was clearly directed at Viktor Japaridze. If that is not the case, then Japaridze should be asked whether he agrees with Mamuka Mdinaradze that an entire region should be punished because of the actions of a few individuals. He should also be asked whether his clan intends to continue crypto mining in Svaneti using free electricity.

Mdinaradze should also explain what he thinks about the fact that Ivanishvili’s facilities in Gldani consume up to 430 million kilowatt-hours annually—an amount comparable to the consumption of nearly half of Tbilisi. Does this amount to an admission that electricity prices were increased for ordinary citizens because of the interests of Viktor Japaridze and others like him?

What we are witnessing is Kobakhidze versus Japaridze—a response to Khundadze’s political sabotage against Kobakhidze.

This is also a warning signal: if the influence of the so-called “rebellious group” continues to grow, they may be deprived of financial resources and access to the flows of black money that have sustained them.

A new phase of internal clan confrontation is unfolding around Ivanishvili.

At the same time, preparations are allegedly underway to remove Kobakhidze, while Tea Tsulukiani and Mariam Kvrivishvili are reportedly being considered as possible replacements.

One thing must be remembered: Ivanishvili will not be challenged through passivity, waiting, or the belief that change will happen on its own. Action, struggle, sacrifice, and taking risks are essential. Political battles are not won from behind a keyboard alone,” he said.