"One of the most important national tasks for us Georgians is to restore territorial integrity. We can say with certainty that the opposition, which is heavily influenced by external agencies, will once again fail to prioritize Georgia’s interests and will continue to carry out external directives. This will necessitate changes for the restoration of territorial integrity. Therefore, we need a constitutional majority so that, if necessary, no one can obstruct constitutional changes," said Bidzina Ivanishvili, Honorary Chairman of Georgian Dream, during a speech at the party's regional election campaign event in Ambrolauri.
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"The past few years have made it clear that events in the region are evolving rapidly. Therefore, we must be prepared at any time for the opportunity to arise and for the peaceful restoration of territorial integrity. In such a case, it will be necessary for our country’s governance system and territorial arrangement to align with the new reality, which can only be achieved through constitutional changes," said Ivanishvili. Unlike other party leaders, he spoke from a separate podium behind bulletproof glass in Ambrolauri.
Ivanishvili made a similar statement on August 21 in Mtskheta:
"Today, the political situation in the world and in our region is changing dynamically. At any moment, the issue of restoring the territorial integrity of Georgia could come to the forefront, making it essential to amend the Constitution of Georgia.
In the event of restoring territorial integrity, the country's governance system and territorial arrangement must be revised, which is not possible without constitutional amendments.
The collective National Movement will undoubtedly act against national interests even at such a time and obstruct the restoration of territorial integrity, which cannot be allowed. Therefore, Georgian Dream must secure a constitutional majority in the next parliament so that, if necessary, it can make the required constitutional changes for the restoration of territorial integrity without obstruction."
Ana Natsvlishvili, one of the leaders of the opposition party Lelo, has stated that Bidzina Ivanishvili intends to recognize Abkhazia in exchange for a guarantee of remaining in power.
"Bidzina Ivanishvili and his Georgian Dream are serving Russia. After Ivanishvili, following Russia's instructions, closed the door to the European Union for Georgia and halted negotiations on Georgia's full EU membership, he moved to the next stage of the plan. It is clear that he intends to recognize Abkhazia in exchange for a guarantee of remaining in power.
This is part of Russia's plan to recognize Abkhazia and betray Georgia. Discussing constitutional changes, for which he claims he needs a constitutional majority, is precisely part of this insidious, treacherous plan. The Constitution of Georgia clearly and unequivocally records the country's independence and territorial integrity. This is what Bidzina Ivanishvili is targeting when he talks about constitutional amendments," said Natsvlishvili.
