This is not merely a process of banning opposition parties. It is an attempt to bury Georgian statehood – Giorgi Kapanadze

According to Giorgi Kapanadze, a leader of the "United National Movement," the initiative to ban opposition parties is a process directed against Georgian statehood; in his view, its objective is to pose a threat to Georgia’s independence and territorial integrity.

Speaking at a briefing today, Kapanadze stated that the "Georgian Dream" party's initiative is part of an anti-Georgian scenario authored in the Kremlin.

"This is not merely a process of banning opposition parties. It is an attempt to bury Georgian statehood. This is an anti-Georgian scenario written in the Kremlin, which—if we do not resist it—will culminate in the recognition of Abkhazia," Kapanadze declared.

He noted that the government is obstructing the country’s European path and attempting to constrict the political landscape by banning opposition parties. In Kapanadze’s assessment, the ultimate goal of this process is the alienation of Georgia’s territories. "If they ban the opposition today and legalize a scenario written in the Kremlin, tomorrow they will ban Georgia’s territorial integrity and legalize the annexation of Samachablo," he noted.

Kapanadze also drew historical parallels, stating that Georgia has faced similar processes in the past—periods when, as he assessed, the country’s independence was abolished, its autocephaly was lost, and dissidents, politicians, writers, and patriots fell victim to repression.

The UNM leader urged citizens to participate in the protest, noting that the issue of banning opposition parties concerns the constitutional rights of every citizen and the future of the country.

"Participating in the protest is crucial so that, together, we can safeguard the present and future of our children. The goal is to unite for positive political change and to save Georgia’s independence," stated Giorgi Kapanadze.

For context: The Constitutional Court is set to begin reviewing a petition to ban five opposition parties on October 21. The plaintiff is "Georgian Dream".