Chair of the United National Movement, Tina Bokuchava, has expressed disappointment after imprisoned former president Mikheil Saakashvili announced his support for television host Nanuka Zhorzholiani as the party’s next chairperson.
Speaking to journalists, Bokuchava said Saakashvili’s latest statement came as a surprise, particularly because he had publicly backed her leadership only days earlier.
“I was on my way when I read President Saakashvili’s post. You remember that President Saakashvili wrote six days ago on social media that he supported my candidacy as chair of the party for the implementation of changes, which he believed would strengthen the United National Movement,” Bokuchava said.
She claimed that she had publicly thanked Saakashvili during a live broadcast on June 16 for what she described as a renewed mandate of trust, as her current two-year term is due to expire in one month.
“Therefore, honestly, the post which I read on my way was unexpected. It is extremely saddening, and I believe that such impulsive, inconsistent decisions have led us to where we are,” Bokuchava stated.
The remarks came after Saakashvili wrote on Facebook that the mandates of all party officials will expire in July and that leadership elections should be held in a format that prevents interference by the authorities.
“In July, the terms of all party officials will expire. We must hold leadership elections in a format that rules out any interference from the regime. My candidate for the chairmanship is Nanuka Zhorzholiani,” Saakashvili wrote.
The former president’s endorsement has added a new dimension to the ongoing discussion over the future leadership of the UNM, Georgia’s largest opposition party, as it prepares for internal elections in the coming weeks.
The party has faced internal disagreements and leadership debates in recent years while seeking to redefine its strategy amid a changing political landscape and continued pressure on opposition forces.
