Tbilisi Mayor Kaladze Apologizes for Backing Zourabichvili in 2018 Presidential Election

Kakha Kaladze, General Secretary of Georgia"s ruling Georgian Dream party and Tbilisi Mayor, has publicly apologized for supporting Salome Zourabichvili as the party's presidential candidate in 2018.

In a video address, Kaladze expressed regret, accusing Zourabichvili of serving "foreign powers" rather than Georgia"s interests, The Caspian Post reports, citing TASS.

The apology followed Zourabichvili's criticism of Kaladze"s planned Christmas tree lighting ceremony on December 14, which coincides with the presidential election. Zourabichvili called the event a provocation amid ongoing protests and warned Kaladze of the consequences. Kaladze dismissed the claims as unfounded, emphasizing the event"s purpose for children.

Kaladze also expressed relief that Zourabichvili"s presidential term was ending, noting that the new president would deliver Georgia"s traditional New Year"s address. The mayor assured the public of safety during the ceremony and stressed that law enforcement would ensure security.