Zurab Japaridze: There was a period when the United National Movement publicly maintained that it was a member of the alliance, yet its representatives did not attend a single working meeting; therefore, it is good that what had been the de facto reality has now been stated publicly

Representatives of the United National Movement have not been participating in the alliance’s work for quite some time. Several months ago, there was a period when they publicly maintained that they were members of the alliance, yet none of their representatives attended any of the alliance’s working meetings. Therefore, it is good that what had been the de facto reality has now been stated publicly, said Zurab Japaridze, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change.

Asked whether this would undermine opposition unity, Zurab Japaridze noted that there was no such thing as opposition unity, but rather an alliance that currently brings together the largest number of political groups.

“There is no opposition unity. There is an alliance that currently brings together the largest number of political groups. In addition, the alliance cooperates with both civil society groups and other political groups. For example, as you saw here today, representatives of For Georgia First were also present. They are not members of the alliance, but there are certain issues on which we can work together.

We are trying to expand and achieve greater consolidation among political forces because we understand how important this is. Some people do not see things this way, and you should ask those who have a different view of the situation,” Japaridze said.

He also commented on the proposed amendments to the Election Code, stating that free and fair elections cannot be held in the country until the “regime backs down”.

“Only when the regime either collapses or is forced to retreat will this become possible. And the only way to achieve that is by mobilising large numbers of angry people in the streets. There is simply no other way.

How can you imagine free and fair elections when political parties are banned and every citizen who has protested something or spoken out about an issue over the past eight years is prohibited from engaging in political activity?” Zurab Japaridze said.