Jailed ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili announced that he will implement radical changes in the United National Movement (UNM) party.

In his Facebook post, Saakashvili wrote that the party requires revival and “fundamental renewal.”

“I not only changed my hairstyle, but I also plan radical changes in the National Movement. The UNM, which established Georgian state institutions, is the party of many affectionate, smart, and patriotic Georgians, the organisation to which many people have linked a significant part of their lives. These loyal and idealistic people need special care and recognition of their merit.

The main task of the party’s renewal is to regain the image of a primary, deeply popular organization. To demonstrate to everyone that we are a union of all Georgians (both ethnic and all other citizens of Georgia), and not a narrow elite grouping. Under the condition that my Levan and other leaders are in prison, the party needs revival and fundamental renewal to make it more active.

We jointly agreed that for reforms, we will bring in brilliant Nanuka Zhorzholiani and her wonderful team to reform it. I have personally known Nanuka for 25 years. She has never betrayed an idea. She has always distinguished herself by being public-spirited, fighting for justice, utmost bravery and being innovative. She has the authority both inside and outside the country and, most significantly, she has the right ideas for fundamental changes.

Nanuka has my full trust and mandate to implement changes together with our numerous members and the party Chairwoman, Tika Bokuchava.

The party should be open to new people. Amid valuing old and experienced staff, we should introduce flexibility, decentralization, master new technologies and establish a modern fundraising system.

In all of this, Nanuka and all of us will need your help. I want to emphasize once again that we value loyalty and idealism. We serve the truth!

Now, in light of Ukraine’s victories, the defeat of the Russians in Hungary and Armenia, and the activation of Europe and the U.S., we must abandon the mentality of a loser and embark on a wave of victory. In the next free elections, the Georgian people and the renewed UNM will win!” Saakashvili wrote.