Personnel decisions will be made in the coming months at the party congress of the National Movement, said Irakli Pavlenishvili, one of the leaders of the UNM (United National Movement). The opposition politician was responding to journalists’ questions regarding a proposal by the party’s founder, Mikheil Saakashvili, for Nanuka Zhorzholiani and her team to join the party and for her to take over as chairperson.
“Changes within the party will take place at the congress, where the delegates—members of our party—will decide for themselves what will happen and how. This is a very important step, and we all view her joining, as well as her team members joining the ranks of our party, positively.
As for specific changes, not only regarding Nanuka Zhorzholiani but also other potential or current members—they have their own visions, agendas, and interesting ideas for reforming the party. Ultimately, we will see in the coming months who has more supporters and who can convince the majority. The chairperson is elected by the delegates; consultations are currently underway, and while they are ongoing, I will not comment on this.
This is a large party, so there may be many contenders and candidates. Everything will become clear in the near future; we won’t have to wait long.”
As a reminder, Georgia’s third president and UNM founder Mikheil Saakashvili, who is currently imprisoned, has announced radical reforms in the party and invited Nanuka Zhorzholiani and her team to join. He emphasized the need to transform the party into a “people’s organization” open to all citizens, rather than a narrow, elite group. According to him, the party requires deep renewal and revitalization, and Nanuka Zhorzholiani has his full trust and mandate.