Mikheil Saakashvili: I refuse to be an object of any kind of bargaining or exchange - I will be free, not in some other country, but here, on the territory of Georgia
The Democrats have won the U.S. Congressional elections by a wide margin, securing a majority in both chambers. This is a crushing defeat for the Republicans, whom even the massive funding provided by Elon Musk and other ultra-wealthy individuals could not save, - the third President of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, writes on social media.
According to Saakashvili, this electoral outcome is primarily driven by the rising cost of living and a sense of social injustice. He further notes that the Russians—and Putin personally—were very displeased with these results. Saakashvili also writes that when a certain energy and desire exist among people, they transform into a powerful current that no barrier can stop.
"What is the lesson for Georgia? The key takeaway is that when there is a surge of energy and a strong desire among people, it transforms into a powerful current—an unstoppable force of nature that no barrier can contain. The man from Chorvila has cobbled together many such barriers—he has held us captive, bought off many people with money, and effectively nullified political parties and elections. Yet, there is a profound thirst for change among people, and a wave has risen. Everyone will have to acknowledge—what many already see and feel—that this inevitable wave is linked to those whom the 'Dream' [the ruling party] fears most: to me and my allies—people like Levan Khabeishvili, Zaza Bibilashvili, Nanuka Zhorzholiani, Ani Tsitlidze, and many young people—or, more precisely, to the idea that we embody.
It is the idea of a strong Georgian state and effective governance, and no bars or barriers can stop us. I refuse to be an object of any kind of bargaining or exchange. I will be free—not in some other country, but here, on the territory of Georgia—where I will be able to move about freely, meet with my people, and achieve victory together.
We will secure genuine elections, prove that power belongs to the people—not to a billionaire—and win. We will transform this "country of one man" back into a country belonging to all the people, to every citizen—a place where individuals enjoy a good income, a future, decent employment, and a secure pension, and where a sense of pride in our nation is restored. People will be protected from internal and external threats, from crime, and from corruption. Those who emigrated will return home.
As for the failed dictator and his inept foreign policy: do you recall how, during the last elections, he deceived us by claiming he would soon "sort things out" with America? He failed to achieve anything with the Trump administration, which is demanding the release of all political prisoners and a complete disengagement from the brutal Islamist dictatorship in Iran. Likewise, he will not be able to reach an understanding with the Democrats—who imposed sanctions on him in previous years and are particularly sensitive to issues concerning human rights and the state of democracy.
Finally, I would advise against writing off Trump and the Republicans. For one thing, even after this election, Trump retains full control over foreign policy; furthermore, the Republicans will field a strong candidate in the presidential election two years from now—especially given that the Democrats currently lack a clear, prominent leader. The Republicans have J.D. Vance, and following yesterday’s results, Marco Rubio’s standing—as well as his chances of being nominated as a presidential candidate—have strengthened," writes Mikheil Saakashvili.
