**Georgian Opposition Leader Warns of Creeping Dictatorship**
Paata Manjgaladze, a member of the “Strategy Aghmashenebeli” party, has sounded the alarm on the growing authoritarianism in Georgia. Speaking to PalitraNews, he described the government as moving from autocracy towards dictatorship.
Manjgaladze’s comments come at a time when tensions are running high in the country ahead of local elections scheduled for October 4. The opposition leader accused the ruling regime of exhausting its moral resources and resorting to violence and intimidation to maintain power.
**From Autocracy to Dictatorship**
According to Manjgaladze, the government’s reliance on force and coercion is a hallmark of dictatorship. He pointed out that while citizens are being told not to seek protection from authorities, the regime itself uses its police and enforcers to silence opposition.
The opposition leader highlighted several instances where protesters and journalists were violently attacked by security forces, but no cases were opened against the perpetrators. He also noted that over 500 young people have been beaten during protests, with no one held accountable.
**Elections as a Farce**
Manjgaladze dismissed the upcoming local elections as a farce, saying they are pointless to participate in. He accused the ruling party of manipulating the electoral process to maintain its grip on power.
**Unity Through Mechanism**
The opposition leader emphasized the need for unity among parties opposed to the current regime. He noted that the European Parliament’s resolution has confirmed the lack of legitimacy of the Georgian government, and that a mechanism is needed for decision-making among parties united around core principles.
Giorgi Vashadze, leader of “Strategy Aghmashenebeli”, is set to publish a concrete mechanism for decision-making next week. Manjgaladze urged his fellow opposition leaders to put aside their differences and work together towards a common goal.
**The Way Forward**
Manjgaladze’s message was clear: if the protest movement is defeated, Georgia will be defeated along with it. But if the current regime is ousted, the country will be liberated, becoming safer, stronger, and more developed.
As tensions continue to rise in Georgia, one thing is certain: the fate of the country hangs in the balance. Will the opposition manage to unite and challenge the ruling party? Only time will tell.
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