Georgian ex-president's party forms new alliance ahead of parliamentary elections

The United National Movement (UNM) opposition party, founded by former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, has announced the formation of a new political alliance called "Unity - to Save Georgia".

This alliance includes the Strategy Aghmashenebeli party and several prominent politicians, and it comes just ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 26, Caliber.Az reports citing the Russian media.

“If other parties at this stage have failed to unite, we will unite together with politicians, active public figures, civil organisations and, in particular, with young people, who have shown us the power of unity best of all. This is what we will win with, what will give us strength. Now it is our duty to bring this victory to the end,” said Tinatin Bokuchava, Chairperson of the United National Movement.

Several notable figures have joined the alliance, including former executive secretary of the ruling “Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia” party, MP Armaz Akhvlediani; former member of the “Republican Party,” MP Tamar Kordzaia; literary critic Lasha Bakradze, son of Georgian writer Akaki Bakradze; and former Georgian diplomat Gaioz (Gia) Japaridze.

The parliamentary elections set for October 26, 2024, are highly significant as the country operates under a parliamentary republic system. Since 2012, the Georgian Dream party has been in power, having replaced the United National Movement. The upcoming elections are expected to be a crucial test for both the ruling party and the newly formed alliance as they vie for control of the Georgian government.

The formation of "Unity - to Save Georgia" underscores the dynamic nature of Georgian politics and the ongoing efforts of opposition forces to consolidate their power and present a united front against the ruling Georgian Dream party.