Members continue to leave UNM amid intra-party controversies

On Wednesday, Nugzar Tsiklauri, a longstanding member of the United National Movement (UNM), the largest opposition group in the country, announced his departure from the party. Tsiklauri cited a significant disconnect between the party’s current leadership and its democratic values as the primary reason for his decision.

 

Expressing his discontent with the political trajectory of the UNM, Tsiklauri revealed that he had been actively working to uphold democratic values within the party over the past nine months. He stated, “The situation that preceded this news compelled me to reassess my association with the party. Throughout this period, I endeavored to preserve the democratic values linked to the UNM.”

 

In recent weeks, a growing number of UNM members have chosen to part ways with the party, citing disagreements with the current chair, Levan Khabeishvili, and the political council. Several members have disclosed their intention to join a new political platform announced by Nika Melia, a former chair who lost the leadership race to Khabeishvili in January. They accuse Khabeishvili of being a “puppet” controlled by former UNM officials.