Ex-Pres Saakashvili outlines UNM reform plan ahead of party congress

Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili has said the opposition United National Movement (UNM) will soon re-establish itself as the country's leading political force, as the party prepares to hold a congress to appoint interim governing bodies and launch an internal reform process.

In a post on social media ahead of Wednesday's party congress, Saakashvili said delegates would elect temporary leadership structures and establish a reform board.

He said the board should consist exclusively of non-party members to ensure an independent assessment of the changes needed within the party. Saakashvili said he would chair the board, while Nanuka Zhorzholiani would serve as its executive secretary with his full backing.

According to Saakashvili, the interim leadership will serve for six months until the reform board presents its final recommendations. He said the temporary governing body should include the party's current leadership regardless of internal disagreements.

"The public expects us to work, not to settle personal disputes," Saakashvili wrote, criticising party members for airing disagreements on television and social media.

He also praised UNM chairman Levan Khabeishvili, saying he “consistently put the party's broader political goals above personal considerations”.

Saakashvili expressed confidence that, under the leadership of Khabeishvili and other experienced party figures, and with what he described as the energy and ideas of Zhorzholiani, the UNM would regain its position as Georgia's leading political force and lead the country "to victory."