Georgia’s ruling party Sec Gen accuses United National Movement party of hypocrisy over its stance on Russia

Kakha Kaladze, the Mayor of Tbilisi and Secretary General of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on Tuesday accused the United National Movement party of hypocrisy, claiming that it welcomed Russians in every possible way following the 2008 war, only to portray them as enemies after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Speaking to journalists, Kaladze said the Georgian Prime Minister’s letter had clearly demonstrated that there were individuals within the country who lacked roots and genuine loyalty to Georgia.

“The Prime Minister assessed the sad reality that exists today. This letter clearly shows that we have rootless people within the country. In 2008, when the country lost its territories, heroic soldiers, and members of the civilian population, and when infrastructure was damaged, the government of the time pursued a different policy. There were calls for Russians to come to Georgia. We remember that [imprisoned former President] Mikheil Saakashvili welcomed Russian tourists at the Larsi border with roses and poppies in his hands. Georgian companies were sold to Russian businesses. Saakashvili's bloody regime implemented a treacherous policy, and the country continues to suffer the consequences. It will eventually become clear on whose orders and instructions all of this was taking place”, Kaladze said.

“The sad reality is that after the August war, they welcomed Russians in every possible way through their actions and policies. They supported them, yet after Russia invaded Ukraine, we saw a completely different set of statements being made. What does it mean that when we were at war, Russians were considered good, and then suddenly became bad? This is hypocrisy. This once again demonstrates that these people are agents serving the Deep State and do not even have the right to ask questions”, he continued.

The Secretary General highlighted that, since 2012, the ruling Georgian Dream Government has pursued only the interests of the country and the Georgian people.