On July 31, 2025, Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream, officially nominated incumbent Mayor Kakha Kaladze as its candidate for the upcoming Tbilisi mayoral election scheduled for October 4. The announcement took place at a high-profile event held at Mtatsminda Park, with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze introducing Kaladze to the public. The ceremony was attended by prominent figures, including Georgian Dream's founder and honorary chairman, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, as well as ministers, members of parliament, and public personalities supportive of the current government.
Kobakhidze praised Kaladze as "a true champion — both literally and figuratively," alluding to Kaladze's dual legacy in sports and politics. "Today, we could have nominated just a good politician, a capable leader, or a dedicated patriot. But instead, we are presenting a true champion," he said, highlighting Kaladze's past as an internationally renowned footballer and his achievements in political leadership. The Prime Minister expressed confidence in Kaladze's ability to further develop and beautify Tbilisi, claiming that Kaladze has the vision and experience to transform every neighborhood of the capital city in line with the residents' needs and expectations.
Kakha Kaladze, born on February 27, 1978, in Samtredia, Georgia, rose to international fame as a defender for top football clubs such as Dynamo Kyiv and AC Milan, where he won two UEFA Champions League titles. After retiring from professional football in 2012, Kaladze transitioned into politics with the Georgian Dream party, quickly rising to prominent roles including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy before being elected Mayor of Tbilisi in 2017.
Since taking office, Kaladze has focused on urban development initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in Tbilisi. His administration has prioritized expanding green spaces, enhancing public transportation, and promoting the city as a tourism destination through international forums and partnerships. Kaladze's campaign slogan for this election is "Peace for Georgia, more good for Tbilisi," a message that echoes the ruling party's narrative emphasizing stability and peace as vital for the country's development.
Kaladze described Georgia as "a kind of island of peace in the modern world," suggesting that this unique status provides the country with exceptional opportunities for growth. He asserted that "Tbilisi and each of its districts are now much more full of life" compared to when he first assumed office eight years ago. Alongside tangible improvements, Kaladze pledged to deliver "non-material benefits," specifically vowing to "defeat hatred" within the community.
However, Kaladze's tenure and candidacy have not been without controversy. Despite his popularity within Georgian Dream, he faces accusations of corruption from opposition parties. Irakli Kupradze, secretary general of the opposition party Lelo, criticized Kaladze's leadership, accusing him and his team of "total corruption, the disregard for citizens’ interests, the destruction of the city by pro–Georgian Dream developers, and their excessive, enormous enrichment." Kupradze further stated, "a pro-European Tbilisi should not have a pro-Russian mayor," underscoring the political tensions surrounding the election.
The opposition landscape for the upcoming municipal elections remains fragmented and uncertain. A majority of pro-Western opposition parties, including the Coalition for Change and the United National Movement (UNM), have announced a boycott of the elections, labeling them a "special operation and a show" and refusing to recognize the legitimacy of the Georgian Dream government following disputed parliamentary elections in 2024. Meanwhile, only two major opposition parties—Lelo and For Georgia—have declared their intention to participate.
Among the potential challengers to Kaladze is Aleko Elisashvili, a member of the Lelo coalition and a former mayoral candidate who came second to Kaladze in the 2017 election. Although pro-government media have suggested Elisashvili as the opposition candidate, he has dismissed these reports as "a very big lie." Elisashvili has been vocal in criticizing Kaladze’s administration, particularly highlighting an unfulfilled 2021 promise to build an overground metro in Tbilisi's Samgori district. He accused the city government of misappropriating 12 million lari allocated for the project, stating, "They stole 12 million lari from you, from me, from everyone, for no reason. They announced a tender, conducted a study and put it on the shelf... all this must be put to an end." Despite the criticism, Elisashvili remains committed to participating in the elections, emphasizing the importance of local government as the level closest to citizens' daily concerns.
The ruling party, however, has downplayed Elisashvili's statements and candidacy. Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili sarcastically remarked, "To call Aleko Elisashvili a candidate for mayor is a logical continuation of the circus that Khazaradze and Gakharia are organizing," reflecting the dismissive attitude of Georgian Dream toward opposition efforts.
Kaladze himself is known for his confrontational rhetoric, particularly toward opponents and international critics. Recently, in response to criticism from EU Ambassador Paweł Herczyński, Kaladze stated that if it were up to him, he would expel the ambassador from Georgia. This stance comes amid a broader EU U-turn by the Georgian government and has led to sanctions against Kaladze by several European countries, including Lithuania, Estonia, and Ukraine.
The upcoming municipal elections will be a critical test for both Georgian Dream and the fragmented opposition. With several major opposition parties boycotting the vote and others still negotiating candidate selections, the political atmosphere in Tbilisi is charged with tension and uncertainty. Kaladze’s campaign, emphasizing peace and progress, contrasts sharply with the opposition’s accusations of corruption and mismanagement.
The mayoral position in Tbilisi, elected for a four-year term since 2006, remains one of the most significant political roles in Georgia. Kaladze seeks to secure a third consecutive term, aiming to continue his vision for the capital city amid a contentious political landscape and evolving public expectations.
