Accusing tens of thousands of members of the United National Movement (UNM) of lacking dignity is politically incorrect and uncollegial, said one of the party's leaders, Petre Tsiskarishvili, commenting on journalist Nanuka Zhorzholiani's statement that if the United National Movement had self-respect, it would leave the opposition alliance and that "this does not require Mikheil Saakashvili's permission."

According to Tsiskarishvili, such a position does not demonstrate political foresight, especially given that Zhorzholiani may decide to become a member of the United National Movement in the future.

"On yesterday's program, she said that she has not yet formed a final position on whether she will run for office or join the United National Movement. The United National Movement has been in opposition for 14 years and has been fighting against this regime. Accusing tens of thousands of party members of lacking dignity is politically incorrect and uncollegial, especially considering that this person may eventually decide to join this team, whether as chairperson or in some other position. If, from her very first statements, she attacks a team of which she may potentially become a member in the future, I do not think that reflects a farsighted approach," Tsiskarishvili said.

He did not specify whether he would support Nanuka Zhorzholiani's candidacy if she decides to run.

"As soon as elections are announced, party members become ordinary voters. Each of us has one vote. Those of us who are public figures usually do not hide our support for a candidate toward whom we have certain sympathies. Therefore, the time will probably come when it becomes clear who supports whom," Tsiskarishvili said.

He also commented on the latest statements made by Georgia's third president, Mikheil Saakashvili, saying that the United National Movement will take his advice into consideration.

"Mikheil Saakashvili is the kind of political leader who, if he were free, would ignite the political arena and a serious political battle would unfold. Both Bidzina Ivanishvili and a large part of our society know very well who would emerge victorious from such a contest. That is precisely why Mikheil Saakashvili is being held captive — because his freedom would mean the downfall and end of Georgian Dream at the very first turn. As long as we remain in these conditions, staying in opposition without even a sense of a serious political struggle on the field, neither I, nor other members of our team, nor Mikheil Saakashvili himself are satisfied. We will certainly take Saakashvili's remarks into account, listen to his advice, and strive for even greater communication both on the ground and, from my perspective, through the media and social networks," Tsiskarishvili said.

According to him, he is convinced that a candidate supported by Mikheil Saakashvili would have a greater chance of winning. He also noted that it is currently unknown when the party congress will be held and when a new chairperson of the United National Movement will be elected.

"We do not yet have a tentative date. We have one specific deadline related to July 8, because on July 8, 2024, the congress was held where personnel decisions were made. The mandates of all internal party institutions expire after two years, in just a few weeks. However, there is a reasonable period within which we can hold a new congress, usually preceded by a Political Council meeting. As soon as these dates are determined, we will certainly inform you," Tsiskarishvili told journalists.

Tsiskarishvili also spoke about the opposition alliance, stating that the United National Movement has not left the alliance and that no specific discussions on the matter have yet taken place.

"Unfortunately or fortunately, I have not attended any meetings or sessions of the opposition alliance. The idea itself was not a bad one, because it was intended to consolidate opposition forces, unite resources, and wage a common struggle. However, if there is to be constant infighting within it, with ongoing attacks against our leader who has been imprisoned for five years, accompanied by insults, ridicule, and hostility, then what purpose does such an alliance serve? Our leader only occasionally has the opportunity to respond through social media, and we will defend his positions. We support criticism, discussion, and debate — even in the public sphere — with both hands. But vulgar insults and abuse do not help the cause. Given this, even the alliance's ultimate direction and purpose have become questionable. As one individual, I certainly do not make decisions about entering or leaving such an alliance. These are collective decisions, and political and party decisions of this nature have always involved Mikheil Saakashvili's participation. At this moment, we have not left the alliance. If such an issue appears on the agenda and a decision is made by the entire team, the Political Council, and our founder and leader, you will hear about it. As of now, there has been no concrete discussion on this matter," Tsiskarishvili stated.