The violent incident between representatives of Georgia’s two largest political parties was ‘shameful’, ex-prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili told reporters on Tuesday, blaming the violence on United National Movement supporters.
The incident occurred in Kortsheli during by-elections on May 22. A large group, allegedly including Olympic wrestlers, assaulted others, using weapons. There were several arrests.
“This was a very shameful incident. I would urge the governing team and the whole society that we should do everything possible to avoid such incidents in the future,” the Georgian Dream politician said.
“One team came to power by throwing stones and we came to power by other way. The government and the governing team bear responsibility for what happened in Kortskheli; they should realize this and have more patience”, he said.
The press conference lasted more than two hours, with Ivanishvili touching on many political and economic issues.
“This incident has greatly affected the state”, he said. “I have no doubt that this was a well-planned provocation of the National Movement.”
Earlier this month the former prime minister published an open letter explaining his thoughts on contemporary Georgian politics, and giving his support to new prime minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili.
Ivanishvili is planning to travel around the country and appear on television regularly. If Georgian Dream lose the election, he will leave politics, he said.
SOURCE: Ivanishvili's press conference
