“We’ve embarked on the Tsalenjikha path, and we must see it through to the end,” said Georgia’s ex-President Mikheil Saakashvili, attending his trial at the Tbilisi City Court remotely via a video link.

Saakashvili reiterated his commitment to the political goals of the opposition United National Movement party. He emphasized the need to bring back previously elected members to the political council and correct any past mistakes.

“I would like to welcome our emigrants, who met in America with Sopho Japaridze, and before that with Giorgi Vashadze. Levan Khabeishvili is also working incredibly well. It is very important to eliminate all the mistakes made. I take political responsibility. All our experienced fighters must return, and many honoured people, for some reason expelled from the political council. I take upon myself the coordination of the political council, I take upon myself the leadership, I take upon myself the reincarnation of the party. The party is open to new connections and new people. We must be able to find a common language and move forward at a fast pace,” he stated.

Regarding his possible candidacy for Prime Minister, Saakashvili stated that it’s too early to decide and the best solution depends on multiple factors. Despite physical challenges, he expressed willingness to take on responsibilities.

“Naming a prime minister at this time is premature and depends on several factors. We need to evaluate the situation in the coming months to determine the optimal solution that is agreeable to as many people as possible. Our goal is to win, not to come in second place with honour. The voter lists must be compiled from the bottom up, not through someone else’s conspiracy. All party members should have a say in the people included in the electoral list. When it comes to informal management, no one can control me informally. If I am informally leading the party, it is because I found myself in this position involuntarily, and I cannot shirk my responsibility for the party and the struggles that lie ahead.

When I arrived here, I knew there would be a challenge. But if not us, then who? Who else would step up to the plate and fight? Despite my physical limitations, I’m prepared to take on whatever comes our way. We’ve embarked on the Tsalenjikha path, and we must see it through to the end. We need to bring back the individuals who were previously expelled to make today’s Political Council even more legitimate. As the coordinator, I guarantee that no one will be mistreated. I’ll work alongside the party’s chairman and general secretary, who are both entirely legitimate and perform their duties incredibly well,” affirmed Saakashvili.

When discussing the Tsalenjikha path, the former President of Georgia likely recalled the 2003 Rose Revolution. During this time, opposition parties organized protests against the parliamentary election results and gathered supporters from various regions in Tbilisi. Notably, the bus from Tsalenjikha, with Mikheil Saakashvili aboard, was travelling ahead of the convoy.