UNM’s Tsitlidze: Unity remains essential for democratic forces as parties face threat of ban

“The political environment has changed with the threat of banning parties and NGOs. This requires reconsideration of how cooperation among democratic forces should continue. The National Movement was the first to stress unity, and we remain committed to it,” said United National Movement (UNM) member Ani Tsitlidze, responding to Federalists’ leader Tamar Chergoleishvili, who declared “the ‘Eight’ no longer exists; what you will now witness is the real coordination among democratic parties, which neither the United National Movement (UNM) nor Lelo will be able to influence.”

Tsitlidze noted that the new political reality demands rethinking how parties cooperate and in what format this should continue.

“The National Movement was the first to emphasize unity, and we remain committed to the principle that cooperation is essential. But personal egos have too often blocked it—many placed themselves above the collective struggle that has lasted for 13 years.

That is why democratic forces must return this issue to the agenda. It is not the time to argue about formats or leadership. What matters is that, in the face of attempts to abolish political parties, there are only two sides: on one side, the majority of Georgian citizens fighting for freedom; on the other, the Russian occupation regime.

All those for whom the fight against Russian occupation is essential must stand with the people of Georgia. Opposition politicians, in particular, must act and make decisions with this in mind,” Tsitlidze stated.