Mikheil Saakashvili, the incarcerated former president of Georgia, emphasized the imperative of “setting aside personal ambitions” in favor of national unity during his participation in a trial. 

He underscored the need for politicians to unite on a neutral platform, detached from any specific party affiliation, “to prevent Georgia from being ensnared in turmoil”. Saakashvili also highlighted the urgency of uniting against “external threats”, particularly the specter of Russian influence.

"In this critical juncture, our priority must be to forge unity among politicians. I've personally set aside my ambitions for the greater good of our nation. We must work towards a unified front, transcending partisan divides. Back in 2020, I advocated for a unified list, a notion we still stand behind. This unified front should pave the way for a technocratic government, committed to European values, to guide us through the transitional period post-election.

Our foremost objective is to counter the Russian regime and thwart any potential incursions. To achieve this, I propose a common list on a neutral platform, free from partisan bias. It's imperative that we join forces to safeguard our sovereignty and deter external interference," remarked  Saakashvili.