Levan Khabeishvili, a leader of the United National Movement (UNM) party currently serving a prison sentence, has called on the opposition to take decisive action: as long as you spend round the clock discussing and dissecting what Ivanishvili is doing or what he wants, we will remain stuck in this quagmire.
In an address published on social media, the politician described the frequent television appearances of opposition figures as an “attempt to stay afloat.” According to Khabeishvili, the opposition must unite and launch large-scale protests.
“When will you finally ask yourselves what the people want?! When will you get around to that question?! When will you muster the courage?! When will you step out of the role of the frightened and the hunted?! Brothers, fear is to blame for everything—it is what breeds the stagnation and inaction we are witnessing right now.
Muster your courage, or you will spend many more years guessing what Ivanishvili wants and how he wants it, whom he will throw behind bars, and whom he will elevate.
Wake up! Forgive me, but what happens day in, day out on television is utter nonsense and empty chatter. If not for TV producers, you would have vanished altogether, completely turning into ‘keyboard warriors.’
It is entirely obvious: for most, appearing on TV serves only as a way to stay afloat—to stay afloat in the political arena. While some have gone into hiding altogether and are sitting in the bushes,” Khabeishvili wrote.
Addressing other opposition figures, he urged them to take the lead: “and I will be your servant, an ordinary activist.” According to the politician, his appeal is an attempt to force his colleagues to look in the mirror.
“Fear reigns everywhere! Inaction and stagnation continue only because no one shows any courage! It is precisely this lack of courage that leaves you moonlighting as commentators, rehashing and chewing over pointless topics.”
According to Khabeishvili, throughout the spring and summer the opposition claimed it would “show what it’s made of” in the autumn. Yet September has arrived, “and you are hiding again, evading real action.” The UNM leader believes government opponents are merely killing time to hold out until November, “only to cite the cold weather then and announce plans for next spring.”
The opposition politician also stated that the protest movement’s formula must be simple: Georgia without Ivanishvili.
“What is needed is courage, not killing time in front of cameras, trying to stay afloat, or cowardly sitting in the bushes. Crawling out of your holes and putting on airs only when electoral lists are being drawn up is base and politically bankrupt. Do not disgrace yourselves or the people.
Overcome your fear—and you will win! And what about me?! Use me in the common cause! Even from prison, I will remain your servant! Strength is in unity!” wrote Levan Khabeishvili.