“If parties persist, we initiate a process of total regeneration, which will eventually lead us towards unification and consolidation. But if Ivanishvili proceeds with abolishing parties, then a broad, collective movement must be forged, one in which all those who understand the existential threat our country faces come together,” said Tina Bokuchava, Chairwoman of the United National Movement opposition party.

Bokuchava emphasised that only a tactical adjustment is needed in the party’s strategy.

“Whether we like it or not, we, the parties, are currently tactically dependent on Ivanishvili. If he truly takes the step of going to the Constitutional Court to abolish parties, be that only the United National Movement or, as he calls it, the collective ‘National Movement,’ which presumably includes all the parties that participated in the last elections under numbers 4 and 5. In this case, this should prompt us to make a tactical shift in our approach.

If parties persist, we initiate a process of total regeneration, which will eventually lead us towards unification and consolidation. But if Ivanishvili proceeds with abolishing parties, then a broad, collective movement must be forged, one in which all those who understand the existential threat our country faces come together.

However, based on Kobakhidze’s briefing today, it appears he is still maneuvering with the West, attempting not to escalate the situation again. He appears to be bargaining, such as not cancelling the parties, and, in response, almost pleading with them [the West] to sit down and meet with him,” added Bokuchava.