Chairperson of the opposition United National Movement (UNM), Tina Bokuchava, has reaffirmed that she remains in the party and intends to continue her political fight despite the ongoing debate over the party’s leadership.
In a social media post published on Wednesday, Bokuchava said she felt compelled to clarify her position following numerous inquiries from journalists after her briefing a day earlier.
“Due to calls from journalists, I considered it necessary to clearly clarify once again what I said at the end of yesterday’s briefing: of course I remain in the United National Movement, and of course I will fight to the end! Georgia will win,” Bokuchava wrote.
Her statement comes after Georgia’s imprisoned third president, Mikheil Saakashvili, publicly named television host Nanuka Zhorzholiani as his preferred candidate for the position of UNM chairperson.
Saakashvili argued that the party requires significant renewal, stating that it “not only needs revitalization but must be brought into better shape than it was in 2003.”
Responding to the remarks, Bokuchava described Saakashvili’s Facebook post as “unexpected.” She also expressed disappointment over the move, arguing that “it is precisely such impulsive and inconsistent decisions that have led us to where we are today.”
The exchange has exposed growing tensions within Georgia’s largest opposition party as discussions continue over its future direction and leadership ahead of the country’s next political challenges.
Related story: Zhorzholiani says UNM may need a ‘crisis manager’ rather than a traditional politician
