The creation of a new office of Georgia’s largest opposition party, the United National Movement (UNM), is an attempt at “separatism” within the party. This is stated in the UNM statement, published on the night of April 15 on Facebook (an organization whose activities are prohibited in the Russian Federation).
The party reacted to the creation of a new office by the former president of the National Movement, Nika Melia.
“It is not clear why a political position is needed, where the gathered people pretend to be members of the National Movement and at the same time attack it”says the statement.
It should be noted that the elections that ended in January determined a new party president, Levan Khabeishvili, who is now the legitimate leader. Those who wish to lead a different political line can do so within the framework of another party.
UNM compared the actions of members of the Meliá office to attacks by the ruling Georgian Dream party, members of the government and pro-government media. The authors of the appeal called on all party members to recognize the results of the election of the president and work together with everyone.
“Attempts at separatism harm the interests of the party”added in the statement.
It should be noted that after the change of president in the National Movement, several iconic figures of the party left the political council. Melia has repeatedly accused UNM’s patrons, former Prime Minister Vano Merabishvili and former Defense Minister David Kezerashvili, who led under President Mikheil Saakashvili, of splitting the party.
Melia believes that Merabishvili and Kezerashvili, through payments to certain individuals, indirectly influence UNM’s actions. Disputes about this have been going on for more than a year, against this background, well-known leaders periodically leave the party. In this context, re-election of president was announced, in which Meliá was unable to maintain leadership.
Source: Rossa Primavera
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