In a July 26 interview with Mtavari Arkhi TV, Nika Melia, Chairperson of the United National Movement (UNM), underlined the necessity of bolstering the party structure, finding new partners and followers, and acknowledging prior errors while fighting against the dictatorial government.
Melia emphasised the need to be sincere when attempting to convert former followers of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) to the opposition's side. He said, "I would never be able to make that individual an ally if I were to tell yesterday's Georgian Dream supporters that the legal system was autonomous during the United National Movement administration."
"The United National Movement is a different UNM now, and it has grown as a result of its past failures. I want all of our potential friends to recognise this," he added. Chairperson Melia also emphasised that other opposition parties should expand their electorates. "So that one day when we get together, we have significant numbers [of voters]," Melia underlined. While describing the opposition's main obstacle, he remarked, "We should aim to transform a passive voter into an engaged citizen of Georgia."
Melia asserts that the polarisation will continue because one group [Georgian Dream] gained control and is attempting to take the nation into the imperial bosom while the other [opposition] is attempting to bring it back to Europe. According to the UNM chair, polarisation might be potentially prevented if the ruling party quits its connection with Russia.
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