“Now is not the time to waste energy on political platforms or specific unions; instead, it is high time for greater active involvement in the protest movement,” Irakli Pavlenishvili, a member of the United National Movement (UNM), has emphasised.

Responding to a question about the Strategy Aghmashenebeli party’s eight-point plan, which proposes uniting political parties, civil groups, and Salome Zourabichvili under a common pennant, Pavlenishvili stated: “We share Giorgi Vashadze’s vision of unity. This was clearly expressed before the 2024 parliamentary elections, and Giorgi was our coalition partner. As for all the points, there are more questions than clear answers. Regarding unity, the United National Movement’s strategy is straightforward: when fighting against the regime, unity is essential. Those of us remaining in opposition, in a state of non-acceptance and non-cooperation, must collaborate. A specific framework has been established for this, so I don’t foresee any issues within the opposition spectrum.”

When asked whether the United National Movement plans to rejoin Zourabichvili’s platform, Pavlenishvili responded negatively.

“No. While some details may be negotiable, unity is demonstrated by those forces not participating in the so-called ‘special operation.’ We are organising rallies and various events together. This unity is visible. As for specific actors, they need to join the protest movement. Now is not the time to focus on platforms or particular associations; it’s time to be more actively involved in the protests. We have a significant date, October 4, which is very important. Instead of constantly discussing other topics, it’s better to concentrate on the matter at hand,” Pavlenishvili stated.