Tsiklauri urges opposition unity, warns infighting is undermining broader goals

Nugzar Tsiklauri, a member of the Coalition for Change, has criticised divisions within Georgia's opposition, warning that internal disputes are distracting from broader political objectives and weakening efforts to challenge the ruling authorities.

Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, Tsiklauri said opposition parties should focus on common goals rather than personal or partisan disagreements.

"There is a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them," he said. "In some cases, our opposition gathers stones only to throw them at each other or hit themselves in the head. Whoever you aim at, the stone eventually hits you as well."

Tsiklauri argued that disputes within the opposition often escalate over issues that later prove insignificant and said recent public disagreements had damaged cooperation among opposition groups.

Referring to Georgia's Independence Day celebrations on 26 May, he said citizens had sent a clear message that political leaders should unite around shared priorities rather than allow internal conflicts to dominate the agenda.

The opposition politician also defended former president Mikheil Saakashvili, describing him as one of the most significant figures in modern Georgian politics.

Tsiklauri said ignoring Saakashvili's role in the country's transformation following the 2003 Rose Revolution amounted to disregarding an important chapter of Georgia's modern history.

At the same time, he praised opposition leader Nika Melia, describing him as a politician with a unique ability to connect with large numbers of people.

Tsiklauri criticised what he called a wave of attacks against opposition parties and rejected claims that businessman Nika Gilauri or opposition groups had received funding from Bidzina Ivanishvili in an effort to create divisions within the opposition.

He said those making such allegations should present evidence to prosecutors rather than spread unsubstantiated accusations.

According to Tsiklauri, there are no signs of a major crisis within the opposition party Ahali, despite recent speculation about internal disagreements.

He expressed confidence that responsible opposition figures would ultimately prioritise the broader political picture over internal disputes.

"I do not think internal conflicts will prove more important for responsible people than the larger goal facing the opposition," Tsiklauri said.