Georgia’s ruling party official says October 1 represents more than victory date for Georgian Dream, credits Bidzina Ivanishvili’s leadership for political change through elections

Irakli Kirtskhalia, the Chair of the ruling Georgian Dream party’s parliamentary faction, said on Thursday that October 1 was not merely a date of victory for the ruling team, but a turning point in Georgia’s modern history.

In a social media message, Kirtskhalia said that fourteen years ago, Bidzina Ivanishvili’s sense of responsibility, self-sacrifice, commitment to principle, and leadership created the conditions for political change to be achieved through elections.

“For our political team, October 1 represents more than just a date of victory; we regard it as a pivotal moment in Georgia’s modern history. Fourteen years ago, under the leadership of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the entire country united around a national cause. It was his personal sense of responsibility, self-sacrifice, commitment to principle, and leadership that made it possible to bring about political change in the country through the electoral process”, Kirtskhalia said.

“Bidzina Ivanishvili’s role in relation to the Georgian Dream party did not begin on October 1. Over many years, he has undertaken numerous initiatives of national importance, efforts that continue to this day and will persist for as long as our country requires them. Our team directly attributes the development of the political course that today defines Georgia’s commitment to sovereignty, peace, and the protection of national interests to Bidzina Ivanishvili”, he continued.

Kirtskhalia added that October 1 was also a day to express gratitude to those who, in his words, made the right choice at the time.

“We also extend our special thanks to the loyal members and supporters of the Georgian Dream party. October 1 reminds us where this journey began. Now, fourteen years later, it is our responsibility to ensure that this path continues in defense of Georgia’s peace, sovereignty, and national interests”, he concluded.