Jailed ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili sharply criticized former PM Giorgi Gakharia, calling him a "Russian agent" and "Ivanishvili’s project." In a social media post, Saakashvili claimed Gakharia built his career in Russia during peak tensions with Georgia and was later placed in power to serve Moscow’s interests.

He questioned Gakharia’s rise after the 2008 war, his role in the violent crackdown on protesters in 2019, and his party’s current presence in parliament, despite earlier resignations. Saakashvili accused Ivanishvili of using Gakharia to imitate democratic opposition and deflect public anger while consolidating power.

“Everything is clear now,” Saakashvili wrote. “Moscow decided Gakharia’s return. This is all part of a larger plan to fake political competition and prolong Ivanishvili’s rule.”