Prepared by Messenger Staff
Saakashvili: "I Know How to End the Scourge of Crime in Georgia"
Former President of Georgia Mikheil Saakashvili has claimed he can help the country overcome its rising crime rate, drawing comparisons to the turmoil of the early 1990s. In a statement posted on social media, Saakashvili criticized the current state of public safety and called for change.
"Given my positive and negative experience, I can help Georgia. I know how to end the scourge of crime in the country and I hope I will soon be given the opportunity," Saakashvili wrote.
He pointed to a recent incident in Batumi as an example of how violence is spreading.
"In Batumi, right in front of the house where Alice was going to rest for a few days, a man was shot dead the day before yesterday," he said. "In general, the last time I remember such a criminal situation was in the early 90s."
Saakashvili accused the current leadership of failing to control crime and likened the government to a mafia organization.
"The spread of crime is inevitable with its contract killings and street violence, when the country is ruled by the classic mafia, with its Don Corleone, Ivanishvili, who resolves his business disputes through arrests and then through abuse in prison," he said.
He also criticized law enforcement, saying the police have become part of the problem.
"In this situation, as in the time of Shevardnadze, the police themselves have become criminals."
Reiterating his desire to return to active political life, Saakashvili said he believes he can contribute to solving Georgia's challenges.
"I hope that I will soon have the opportunity to help Georgia, including in overcoming these problems."
Kaladze Confirms Candidacy, Promises Strong Election Performance
Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has confirmed he will run in the upcoming local self-government elections and expressed confidence in a sweeping victory for the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Kaladze, who also serves as the party's Secretary General, declined to name any potential competitors when asked about the opposition.
"I don't want to talk about these people, it would be embarrassing for me," he said. "I am the incumbent mayor of the city, I intend to participate in the elections."
He announced that Georgian Dream is preparing for the official launch of its campaign.
"We will have an official nomination in the near future. After that, we will also name majoritarian candidates both in the capital and throughout the country," Kaladze said. "We have already started preparations, we have started work and very soon we will open an election campaign, which will enter an active phase."
Kaladze emphasized that his focus remains on addressing public concerns.
"I talk to people about the challenges, problems that are relevant, that concern the population of Tbilisi," he said.
Speaking on Imedi TV, he added that Georgian Dream expects a dominant outcome in the upcoming elections.
"Georgian Dream is the force that will achieve a 100 percent victory in all municipalities, in all districts, both at the municipal level and in terms of mayors."
