“Bidzina Ivanishvili aims to position opposition parties involved in the Russian special operation of October 4 in second and third place, but I am confident that the true main opposition remains the United National Movement,” said Levan Sanikidze, a member of the United National Movement party.

Sanikidze commented on the Gorbi survey run by Imedi TV, which found that 56.2% of respondents would vote for Georgian Dream if parliamentary elections were held this week. Meanwhile, 10.7% would support Strong Georgia – Lelo for Government, for Freedom; 10% favour Gakharia for Georgia; 9.5% back the Coalition for Change, Gvaramia, Melia, Girchi, and Droa; 7.5% support the United National Movement; 3.2% endorse Girchi; 1.8% favour the Alliance of Patriots of Georgia; and 1.1% support other parties.

“It’s impossible to speak meaningfully about sociology, percentages, or levels of support. What we can discuss is what Bidzina Ivanishvili desires. His goal appears to be to keep the United National Movement weak, while the other parties, which are supposed to serve as systemic opposition, are left to decide their own fates. They should be asking themselves why Ivanishvili is increasing their influence with the so-called Gorbi rating—that is, a party with just 3% support has tripled its backing. I’m not claiming any of these parties actually had 3%. The Georgian people are fed up; they see through this game. Does anyone truly believe that these parties can win over GD in the local elections in Tbilisi? I doubt it. Even in their offices, they probably don’t believe it. They should simply admit that when you participate in Ivanishvili’s game, whether intentionally or unintentionally, he will manipulate you in such a way that you won’t have any questions or leverage left. These parties claimed to be the main opposition, didn’t they write that down? So what legitimacy do they have against Bidzina? That’s the problem: they have lost their moral superiority. Ivanishvili will shape the election results in the same way – easily, effortlessly, like slicing through cake. The fact is, Lelo and Gakharia’s party are just players in the game that Bidzina Ivanishvili is orchestrating,” Levan Sanikidze emphasised.

Sanikidze also affirmed that the UNM remains the primary standard-bearer of Georgia’s European aspirations. In his assessment, the United National Movement continues to be the main opposition force.

“In my firm belief, the United National Movement, by responding to the core challenge faced by a significant segment of society, namely, non-participation in elections and reluctance to cooperate, remains the most genuine representative of Georgia’s European development. Our European partners also recognise this, considering the UNM the most reliable partner in the fight against Ivanishvili’s regime. I am certain that the United National Movement is still Georgia’s main opposition party, and Bidzina Ivanishvili’s primary concern is its continued existence,” Sanikidze concluded.