The attitude of the United National Movement toward Zurabishvili is not a barrier for us to partner or cooperate with Salome Zurabishvili, stated one of the leaders of Strong Georgia, Badri Japaridze.

He made this comment in response to recent statements by the leaders of the United National Movement regarding Georgia’s fifth president, Salome Zurabishvili.

“This particular case is not and will not be a barrier. We are talking about saving the country, securing its European future, and preserving the state—that is our main guiding principle. What matters most to us is our party’s strategic line: for all of us to work together to resolve the political crisis in the country. The only way to overcome this crisis is through new elections, and that is our priority. Any step that contributes to the consolidation of society and the political spectrum and helps bring new elections closer is what determines our stance on any given event,” said Badri Japaridze.

According to Japaridze, if the United National Movement withdraws from the unity formed around Salome Zurabishvili, Strong Georgia does not intend to abandon the idea of coordination.

“It is in our national interest to maintain maximum coordination with society and other political forces willing to cooperate. If any political force decides to step away from a particular unity, that is their decision. However, this will not lead us to abandon the idea of unity or coordination. If that is their choice, we will not give up on close coordination with other political forces or society. If the United National Movement withdraws, that will be their decision, and it will not affect ours,” Japaridze stated.