Opposition leader calls for unity against Ivanishvili’s ‘divide and rule’ tactics ahead of October rally

Levan Khabeishvili, leader of the United National Movement opposition party, on Tuesday urged citizens to demonstrate unity against what he described as Bidzina Ivanishvili’s “divide and rule” tactics.

In a social media post, Khabeishvili called on Georgians to join a rally planned for 4 October in Tbilisi, framing it as a decisive moment for the country’s future.

“On 4 October, the Georgian people must prove that Ivanishvili’s [the founder and honorary chair] tactic of ‘divide and rule’ no longer works, and that the only path to saving Georgia is through unity,” he wrote.

Khabeishvili further accused Ivanishvili of “deliberately sowing divisions” among opposition groups to weaken resistance to his influence, while enriching himself at the public’s expense.

He also criticised what he described as the political “egoism” of some opposition figures, claiming endless disputes over leadership and strategy had prevented a united front. “The solution is simple - ignore the so-called political elite and let the people unite,” he argued.

Framing the coming weeks as a struggle for Georgia’s survival rather than ordinary party politics, Khabeishvili urged “unconditional unity” around a single goal: “Georgia first.” He said a mass demonstration in Tbilisi could trigger a “peaceful autumn revolution” leading to free elections.