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UNM split “inevitable” due to “profound crisis” - opposition MP

The lawmaker noted she expected other members to follow suit and leave the party, and added “the division may serve as a necessary step for UNM to overcome its crisis”. Photo: Parliament press office

Agenda.ge, 04 Dec 2023 - 15:10, Tbilisi,Georgia

Khatuna Samnidze, an MP from the Republican opposition party, on Monday said the departure of nine members from the United National Movement party earlier during the day was a symptom of an “inevitable split” caused by a “profound crisis” in the largest opposition group.

Samnidze’s statement came on the heels of UNM members in capital Tbilisi and the western city of Batumi leaving the faction citing “irreconcilable differences” with the current management of the party and its Chair Levan Khabeishvili.

In her comments, the lawmaker noted she expected other members to follow suit and leave the party, and added “the division is regrettable, but it may serve as a necessary step for UNM to overcome its crisis”.

She also said Nika Melia, the former Chair of UNM, might soon announce his separation from the party, possibly paving the way for creation of a new political entity.

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