Georgian Opposition Forms New Alliances Ahead of Parliamentary Elections
On July 8, Tina Bokuchava, the United National Movement (UNM) Chair, announced a new political platform named "Unity – to Save Georgia."
She stated that this platform would unite UNM and Strategy Agmashenebeli – two parties already in coalition for a year – along with representatives from other parties, civil society, and academia. The new platform would use UNM ballot number 5 in the upcoming elections.
On July 9, three opposition parties – Ahali, Girchi-More Freedom, and Droa – announced their decision to present a joint election list for the Parliamentary elections in October. The leaders mentioned that an anticipated alliance with another party, Lelo, did not come to fruition due to minor differences.
Nika Gvaramia, the co-chair of Ahali, emphasized that cooperation with Lelo remains possible and that discussions with other opposition parties will continue, noting, "There is enough time." Girchi-More Freedom and Droa have been allied for about a year.
The leaders highlighted their commitment to the Georgian Charter initiated by President Salome Zourabichvili. They pledged "non-cooperation with Bidzina Ivanishvili's regime," stressing the importance of "coordination of the opposition" and "non-aggression" among themselves. Nika Gvaramia stated, "Today, we unite to send Bidzina Ivanishvili's government home, to get Russian influences out of Georgia, and for Georgia to become a member of the European Union."