Ex-Pres Saakashvili: Georgia has fallen behind Armenia in regional standing

Georgia’s convicted former President Mikheil Saakashvili has claimed that Georgia had lost its traditional regional leadership role, arguing that the country is now lagging behind Armenia in political and international positioning.

Speaking about the European Political Community summit held in Yerevan, Saakashvili said it was significant that European leaders gathered in Armenia rather than Tbilisi, which he described as the region’s “traditional centre”.

He argued that Georgia had effectively taken on the role Armenia held in 2013, while Armenia had advanced to a position similar to Georgia’s earlier trajectory.

Saakashvili also raised concerns over domestic political developments, questioning the continued detention of opposition figures, including Nika Melia, and alleging political motivations behind legal cases.

He further criticised the current leadership, including ruling party founder and honorary chair Bidzina Ivanishvili, accusing them of undermining the country’s international standing.