Nanuka Zhorzholiani: If Saakashvili declares his candidacy for Prime Minister, it will simplify the rules of the game
“If Misha says he is re-entering politics, becoming the United National Movement’s primary political figure and candidate for Prime Minister, that will simplify the rules of the game,” Nanuka Zhorzholiani stated on a TV Pirveli broadcast.
As Zhorzholiani explained, she is not declining the chairmanship of the United National Movement (UNM) outright, but she has a condition: Mikheil Saakashvili’s political intentions must be made clear.
“I am considering taking on the party chairmanship, and I have my conditions. My primary condition is that Mikheil Saakashvili’s political interest regarding this country becomes explicit, that he chooses this nation as his primary arena. Take his statement during the latest court hearing, which some chose to mock, in which he mentioned his intention to represent the government directly upon his release from prison. I value public engagement; I believe engagement matters in political life, and we ought to measure it properly. I do not buy that the Georgian Dream troll factory rallied to demonstrate how much the public approved of Saakashvili’s statement, which found traction even among his political opponents. I have spoken with them directly, and while it would be improper to disclose private dialogues or name names, they told me the most prudent move from Misha would be to formally declare his political stance: whether he remains a principal player on the Georgian political agenda, as that would clarify the playing field for every political team.
I have already received a clear signal from Misha that he is preparing. For a long time, his political rhetoric took an entirely different tone, that of a bystander, a well-wisher, or a comrade-in-arms. I am confident that each of his subsequent moves will reinforce this statement. Even for political opponents, by which I mean the opposition flank, not Georgian Dream, it will immensely simplify the rules of the game. If Misha states that he is stepping into active politics, becoming the main political figure of the United National Movement and its candidate for Prime Minister, it simplifies the rules of the game for everyone,” said Zhorzholiani.
She added that the United National Movement will only regain political strength on the ground if it calls things by their proper names and brings clarity to the political agenda.
“That clarity means acknowledging Mikheil Saakashvili as the party’s leader, someone who generates efficacy, experience, and capability. An effective agenda was never going to be crafted by manufactured leaders around whom complete cohabitation never quite materialised anyway. Neither during that period nor when he acted primarily as a champion for Ukraine were those the statements I found compelling. I align with Misha’s statements when he asserts that he is a Georgian who will fight for his party and fight to alter the current reality in this country. That is the Misha I wish to see, and I value seeing Mikheil Saakashvili in that form. For both the United National Movement and Mikheil Saakashvili, it is vital that the UNM transforms into an effective party and consolidates its centre of gravity. If you hold that centre of gravity, remain effective, and project strength and public support, then for any alliance, it is not merely about having a declared leader; you become a viable, respected partner in working relationships,” Zhorzholiani noted.
When asked whether Tina Bokuchava had pulled back from ongoing party developments, Zhorzholiani replied that she was convinced Tina Bokuchava had a serious reason for missing the Political Council meeting.