“There is absolutely no rift within the alliance. Regrettably, the United National Movement (UNM), Mikheil Saakashvili, and a large part of his circle have placed themselves outside the alliance by declaring that they no longer recognise the agreement and strategy they had previously joined,” the leader of the Federalists, Giga Bokeria, has stated.

According to Bokeria, the remaining members of the alliance have no decisions to make, as the ball is entirely in the United National Movement’s court.

“This is a regrettable choice made by the United National Movement. The opposition is currently building a grassroots network across Tbilisi and the regions. We need to convince more citizens that a credible alternative exists once the regime falls; an alternative that possesses a clear vision of how to lead the country out of this deadlock.

Those who remain committed to this vision and strategic objective represent the credible alternative; we need to communicate this message to as many citizens as possible. Defeating a regime like Ivanishvili’s requires the sustained, peaceful protest of a vast and active majority. This is the only way free elections will ever be achieved,” Bokeria stated.