Saakashvili vows UNM’s success despite “internal discord triggered by Russian oligarch”

Former President Mikheil Saakashvili, currently imprisoned, asserted on Friday that the United National Movement (UNM), the party he founded, would triumph in the upcoming “crucial” parliamentary elections next year. Saakashvili expressed confidence in overcoming “internal discord” he attributed to a “Russian oligarch,” referring to Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the current ruling power.

In a social media post, Saakashvili discussed his determination to overcome challenges, particularly after the departure of Nika Melia, the former UNM chair, who left the party and announced plans to establish a new political entity.

Saakashvili underscored the significance of the upcoming elections and proposed a collaborative effort between the Victory Coalition and the UNM to form an electoral list. He suggested the inclusion of electronic voting conducted by party members as a means to modernize the political spectrum without sacrificing existing support.Recalling the 2003 elections, Saakashvili highlighted the UNM’s success despite initial skepticism from the opposition.

Responding to the developments involving Melia, Gia Volski, the Vice Speaker in the Georgian Parliament from the ruling party, stated on Friday, “Everything was leading to the fact that Melia would first prepare a platform, distance himself from the UNM, and then create a party, as if his pathos is different.” He added that Melia “repeats the position of the current UNM,” suggesting it is still influenced by former party officials.