UNM MP challenges ex-PM Gakharia’s criticism, labels claims as “useful Idiocy” in political arena

Ana Tsitlidze, an MP of the United National Movement, on Monday slammed the statements by former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia and his For Georgia party, demanding the return of Mikheil Saakashvili, the currently imprisoned former President, from a clinic to prison. 

 

“If Gakharia aims to carve out his own distinct identity, merely criticizing Saakashvili and the  UNM won’t suffice”, she said. 

Tsiltidze dismissed Gakharia’s recent remarks, in which he said the current authorities were trying to “save” the UNM in a bid to “scare” the public by its potential return in office, as those of “useful idiocy” lacking a substantive foundation. 

She emphasized that for Gakharia to establish his unique political identity, he should focus on expanding his voter base. 

“Over the years, many individuals believed that criticizing the UNM would secure them a place in the opposition, but the opposite unfolded. Parties adopting such strategies fell short of even one percent in popularity, while the UNM remains firmly established”, Tsitlidze claimed. 

Gakharia left the ruling party and resigned in 2021 after controversies with the GD leadership.