Saakashvili Urges Armenians in Georgia to Support Opposition, Linking Armenia’s Future to Georgia's European Path

Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has made a direct appeal to the Armenian community in Georgia, encouraging them to vote for the opposition in the upcoming parliamentary election. In a social media post, Saakashvili said that not only the future of Georgia but also the very existence of Armenia and peace in the Caucasus are tied to Georgia's return to a pro-European path.

Addressing Armenian voters directly, Saakashvili wrote, “My dear Armenian compatriots, the fate of our shared motherland—Georgia—is being decided.” He urged them not to be intimidated by the transitional government, asking them to participate in the election on October 26 by supporting the opposition, represented by number 5 on the ballot. Saakashvili shared his belief that Georgia's shift back to a European trajectory is critical for the stability and security of the region, including Armenia.

Saakashvili’s remarks come at a time when the geopolitical future of Georgia is in the balance, and Armenia’s security and independence are deeply intertwined with the broader dynamics of the Caucasus. He stressed that Armenia's existence and the future of peace in the Caucasus depend on Georgia aligning itself with European values and integrating more deeply with Western institutions.

This sentiment has been echoed by other leaders, including Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, who previously warned that if Georgia does not return to the European path, it would also be a “tragedy” for Armenia.

Mikheil Saakashvili remains a controversial figure in Georgian politics. In 2021, he made a dramatic return to Georgia, entering the country secretly on a ferry from Ukraine after several years in exile. His return led to his immediate arrest by Georgian authorities, who had previously convicted him in absentia of abuses of power during his presidency. He was sentenced to prison in October 2021.

While in prison, Saakashvili’s health has deteriorated significantly. His medical team has reported a dramatic weight loss, from 115 kg (254 pounds) to 68 kg (150 pounds), and there have been serious concerns about his well-being. Georgian officials claim that Saakashvili’s condition is self-inflicted due to his refusal to eat, while his supporters argue that he is being mistreated in prison.

Saakashvili’s imprisonment has sparked international calls for his release. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been one of the most vocal advocates, accusing the Georgian government of “torturing and killing” Saakashvili. Zelensky also noted that Saakashvili, who holds Ukrainian citizenship, is being persecuted unjustly.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu also called for his immediate release, condemning Saakashvili’s treatment as “unacceptable for a country that wants to join the European Union.” These international figures, along with human rights organizations like Empathy, which supports victims of torture in Georgia, have raised alarms about Saakashvili’s health and the conditions of his imprisonment. There have even been allegations that he was poisoned with heavy metals while in custody.

Georgia’s future, especially its orientation toward Europe, has significant implications not just for the country itself, but also for its neighbors like Armenia. Both Saakashvili and Zourabichvili have emphasized the importance of Georgia re-establishing its European credentials, warning that failing to do so could destabilize the Caucasus region and leave Armenia vulnerable.

Saakashvili's plea to Armenian voters reflects this broader regional concern. He believes that a victory for the opposition in Georgia could reinvigorate the country’s efforts to integrate with Europe, which would, in turn, bolster Armenia’s position in a turbulent region.