UNM’s Baramidze: Party founded by Saakashvili always embraced debate and internal democratic competition

“What is currently happening within the United National Movement is nothing new to the public. In the party founded by Mikheil Saakashvili, there has always been debate, discussion, and internal democratic competition. We have had arguments in the past, we have them today, and God forbid that should ever change in the future. It is through this debate and discussion that the truth is born,” stated Gia Baramidze, a member of the United National Movement (UNM).

He further announced that a UNM party congress will be held in the near future.

“In accordance with our statutes, a congress of the United National Movement will be convened shortly. For all of us who were elected to various positions, be it Chairman, General Secretary, members of the Political Council, or heads of local branches, our terms are coming to an end as prescribed by the rules. Therefore, every single position will be up for election.

As for candidates for the chairmanship, there will likely be several. President Saakashvili, the leader of our team, has nominated Nanuka Zhorzholiani. According to my information, there will be other contenders as well. True to our party’s traditions, all relevant procedures will be conducted in a competitive, internally democratic environment, and the party will elect its leadership.

What matters to us, and President Saakashvili spoke about this just yesterday, is not simply a redistribution of posts, but a systemic overhaul to revitalise our party, drive engagement, and boost efficiency. We need a transformation that brings the party closer to the people, fosters greater internal democracy, ensures fairness, promotes horizontal management, and harnesses modern technological achievements.

This is precisely the objective of the so-called MSR, the Fundamental Management Reform, which has been under discussion within the United National Movement for over a year and has already been approved by the Political Council. All that remains now is for this reform to be formally adopted at the upcoming party congress so that implementation can begin. This means greater grassroots involvement, transparency, and direct public participation in the UNM’s political decision-making. Consequently, it means more democracy, fairness, and horizontal governance, ensuring our party is run by the people themselves, rather than by a select few party officials, no matter how respected or newly elected they may be,” Gia Baramidze declared.