**Georgian Dream Leaders Avoid Crisis in New Year’s Addresses**
As the world welcomed 2025, leaders of Georgian Dream issued New Year’s messages that highlighted their “victories” and avoided talking about the country’s deepening crisis.
In a televised address, President Mikheil Kavelashvili wished Georgians a Happy New Year and expressed hope for a “triumph over evil.” He emphasized the importance of unity among Georgians and called on politicians to find common ground.
Speaker Shalva Papuashvili also released a message that had geopolitical undertones. He stressed the value of peace, firmness, wisdom, caution, and prudence in the face of global challenges.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze congratulated Abkhazians and Samachablo residents on New Year’s Eve. He claimed that Georgia won every battle in 2024 despite external interference and thanked law-enforcement structures, clergy, and all religious denominations for their efforts to safeguard traditional values.
Honorary chair Bidzina Ivanishvili and his wife Ekaterine Khvedelidze also released a joint message on Facebook. They expressed hope that Georgians would be worthy heirs of their noble ancestors in 2025 and emphasized the importance of unity.
All these messages avoided discussing the country’s current crisis, instead focusing on past “victories” and future hopes.