Opposition Coalition for Change calls for unity of democratic forces to challenge ruling party

Georgia’s opposition Coalition for Change has called for the formation of a unified alliance of national and democratic opposition parties, saying the joint document should also be signed by the United National Movement and Lelo parties.

Tengo Tevzadze, a member of the opposition Coalition for Change, said on Wednesday that the party supports the formation of a unified alliance of national and democratic opposition forces, adding that the joint document should also be signed by the United National Movement and Lelo.

He added the aim is to offer society a democratic and national alternative capable of dismantling the rule of the Georgian Dream party.

“We want to offer society, first and foremost, a democratic and national alternative, and secondly, a strategy of peaceful resistance that will dismantle [Georgian Dream founder] Bidzina Ivanishvili’s regime. This is our task, and we will do everything to achieve it,” Tevzadze said.

Tevzadze said he is optimistic about the prospects of unity, adding that the Coalition’s clear position is to bring together national and democratic opposition forces. He warned that if such unity is not achieved within the next three weeks, a serious political reset would be needed in Georgian politics.

He also noted that consultations and exchanges of views are ongoing with opposition leaders currently imprisoned, including Nika Gvaramia, Nika Melia and Elene Khoshtaria. According to Tevzadze, they support strategic agreement on what he described as a critical phase of opposition resistance. He added that Zurab Japaridze has publicly expressed his stance in favour of unity.

“When I speak on behalf of the Coalition for Change, I do so not only as a party member, but also on behalf of the party’s leaders,” Tevzadze said.

Consultations on developing a unified strategy among Georgia’s opposition political parties are currently under way.