“Regardless of what Salome Zourabichvili calls her meetings, the United National Movement sees no value in participating, and we have made our position clear,” stated Levan Sanikidze, a member of the UNM.

Sanikidze commented on Zourabichvili’s April 24 announcement regarding the formation of a preparatory committee for the May 26 event.

“May 26 is a significant day for every Georgian citizen. I view April 9 as Independence Day, while May 26 is Georgia’s Freedom Day. It is also the birthday of Merab Kostava, a leader of our national liberation movement.”

He emphasized the UNM’s commitment to celebrating Georgia’s Independence Day on Rustaveli Avenue, stating, “We have been participating in events related to this for five months, and we will be present on Rustaveli Avenue on May 26 as a show of solidarity.”

“May 26 is a day of public festivity. We must defend the freedom and independence that our ancestors fought for. Everyone should be welcome to participate. It was a peculiar decision for the Georgian Dream to hold festivities on Orbeliani Square instead of Rustaveli Avenue.

This is their choice, but no one should be denied the right to join activities on Rustaveli. This day belongs to all of us. Those who do not share the vision of an independent, free, European, united, and strong Georgia are welcome to abstain. They may view this date as tragic, but they can choose to celebrate February 25 instead,” Sanikidze added.