Journalist Nanuka Zhorzholiani commented on the discussion surrounding her potential involvement in the leadership of the United National Movement (UNM) party, stating that she sees herself primarily as a manager within the party. According to her, the ideal scenario for both her and Mikheil Saakashvili would be her collaboration with the party’s current chairwoman, Tina Bokuchava.
“For Misha and for me, the ideal option would be my integration into the National Movement under Tina’s chairmanship. As I have already said, she is smarter than me, more experienced, and knows things that I do not. And I can do what she perhaps cannot. We would have been ideal partners, and it is a pity that things turned out differently.”
Zhorzholiani noted that Mikheil Saakashvili remains the party’s main leader, and also mentioned the contribution of Levan Khabeishvili, the chairman of the party’s political council, and Irakli Nadiradze, one of the UNM leaders.
In her view, she could restore the pace and priorities to the party that were characteristic of the period under Saakashvili’s leadership.
“I see myself as a manager in this party. Perhaps a chairperson can be like that too. Perhaps politics no longer needs to have its tie fully tightened. If the party is currently in crisis, perhaps it needs a crisis manager.”
Zhorzholiani also emphasized the importance of the foreign policy direction, which, in her opinion, should be handled by a competent and independent specialist. At the same time, she believes that the party’s leadership should gradually transition to the younger generation, while experienced politicians should support the youth and share their experience:
“This party must be taken over by the youth. Veterans will support it. The party welcomes change with high expectations, and I am grateful for the constructive attitude I have seen in recent days.”
As a reminder, Mikheil Saakashvili previously stated that his candidate for the post of UNM chairperson is Nanuka Zhorzholiani. In response, Tina Bokuchava called the statement unexpected and expressed regret, noting that it was impulsive and inconsistent decisions that had brought the party to its current state.
Bokuchava was elected party chairwoman on July 8, 2024, for a two-year term. Her mandate expires in about a month.
