Salome Samadashvili Speaks Out on Georgian Protests
Georgian politician Salome Samadashvili has given her thoughts on the ongoing protests in the country. She said that the opposition’s role is to support and guide the protest, but not to lead it.
In an interview with Palitra News, Samadashvili stated that a horizontal approach to the protest is more effective. This means that different groups and individuals are working together to achieve their goals, rather than being led by one person or group.
Samadashvili also mentioned Belarus as an example of what not to do. A leader emerged from the protests in Belarus and was forced to leave the country, which ended the protest. She believes that a more horizontal approach would be better for Georgia.
The opposition has been working together on various fronts, including foreign policy. Samadashvili said that this coordinated effort helped the rigged elections not to be recognized by the international community.
One of the main topics being discussed is whether new elections should be held using the same electronic system as before. There are different opinions on this issue, and Samadashvili believes that agreement on a model is essential for moving forward.
Samadashvili also commented on the Public Defender’s assessment of the October 26 elections. She stated that no one doubts the elections were rigged, except for the Public Defender, Georgian Dream, and Russia.
In her opinion, Georgian Dream will only make concessions if there is both external pressure and internal resistance. The opposition has daily communication and understands this dynamic, but believes that broad public resistance is necessary to bring about change.
Samadashvili concluded that an autocratic system like the current government in Georgia cannot be overcome by the opposition alone, unless there is strong public support.