UNM’s Levan Bezhashvili: We will reconsider our role in Opposition Alliance once party staffing issues are resolved

“Serious discussions are underway within the United National Movement (UNM) regarding whether it is worth remaining in an alliance that fails to respect political prisoners and the party’s 14-year struggle,” UNM member Levan Bezhashvili has announced.

According to Bezhashvili, the matter will take its final shape once the internal party reforms are concluded over the next few weeks.

“I repeat, we will reconsider our role in the Opposition Alliance only after party staffing issues are resolved. During our 14 years in opposition, new faces have joined the United National Movement in several waves. The majority of today’s leadership is actually made up of young people: Lasha Parulava, Irakli Pavlenishvili, Igor Narmania, Mariam Dolidze, Levan Khabeishvili, and Ani Tsitlidze. These are the individuals who stood by the party during its time out of power. This process must continue; young people must take up pivotal positions in party operations. Everything will ultimately be decided after the party congress,” Bezhashvili stated.

Regarding the potential candidates for the UNM chairmanship, Bezhashvili noted that the final numbers will depend on the dynamics during the pre-election registration period.

“During a recent broadcast, Ani Tsitlidze neither confirmed nor denied her candidacy. Naturally, the number of contenders will be determined by the political reality during the pre-election registration. Depending on who decides to run and who is successfully registered, we could see three, four, or even five candidates on the ballot. Once the Political Council announces the election date and approves the voting regulations, candidates will be able to register. Personally, I intend to back Nanuka Zhorzholiani’s candidacy. A significant portion of the party membership supports Nanuka, though she has not yet made her final decision,” Bezhashvili added.