"Victory of good over evil": Founder of Georgia's ruling party marks 13-year milestone

Honorary Chairman of Georgian Dream, Bidzina Ivanishvili, reflected on the ruling party’s thirteen years in power, marking the anniversary of a historic political milestone. 

"Today marks exactly 13 years since the most important victory in the history of independent Georgia," Ivanishvili wrote on social media, according to Georgian media, cited by Caliber.Az.

He described October 1, 2012, as a symbol of unity and dignity, a moment representing "the victory of white over black and good over evil for modern Georgia."

Ivanishvili emphasised that the day occupies a "worthy, special place alongside the significant victories achieved by Georgia throughout its centuries-long history." He noted that in the 35-year history of Georgia’s independence, October 1 has become a defining point, drawing a clear line between authoritarianism, subjugation to external interests, fear and terror, and, on the other hand, democracy, loyalty to national sovereignty, and freedom.

"This day does not belong to specific individuals or any political party. The main architect of  October 1 is the Georgian people, who are faithful to the teachings, traditions and Christian values of our ancestors and who have never bowed their heads to internal or external enemies," Ivanishvili said.

He acknowledged internal challenges within the party, stating, "Personally, the most difficult thing for me was that there was treacherous betrayal within our team, which not only put Georgian Dream in crisis, but also created a real threat to the Georgian people and our country of deviating from the path of development and returning to power forces obedient to foreign interests, but we endured this too."

Ivanishvili also highlighted ongoing external pressures and interference, explaining, "Pressure and blackmail against our country and people intensified, taking various forms, and attacks on our sovereignty became more frequent and more acute, but certain forces have to do this not through internal enemies, as they have done for many years, but through external enemies. Their agents within the country, in opposition parties and so-called NGOs, appear to have weakened at first glance, but we must understand clearly what forces are trying to subjugate our country to their interests."

He concluded by calling on citizens to participate in the upcoming elections, stating, "On October 4, we have a chance to show everyone once again that our struggle today is about going to the polls, exercising free choice, and preserving peace and stability."

By Tamilla Hasanova