Federalists' Kirtadze Says Lelo and UNM Were Intentionally Excluded as Opposition Regroups
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Tengo Kirtadze of the Federalists party stated that Lelo and the United National Movement (UNM) have been identified as obstructive forces and were therefore excluded from the formation of the new political process.
"Lelo and the United National Movement were identified as hindering factors, and as a result, they were sidelined from the creation of the political process. We have distanced ourselves from the parties that have deviated from the right path in recent months," Kirtadze said during an interview on Palitra News's program 360 Degrees.
According to Kirtadze, opposition parties have held meetings in recent days, but Lelo and UNM were deliberately not invited.
"We, the Federalists, are feeling very optimistic. Over the past few days, we've been in communication, holding meetings and discussions - and we deliberately chose not to invite either the United National Movement or Lelo.
Our goal is for the political spectrum, for the first time in the 35 years of this country's independence, to fulfill the public's demand. We have distanced ourselves from those who have strayed from this path in recent months. The remaining parties, together with civil society and various activist groups, have engaged in deep discussions, and believe me, the spirit is very hopeful.
We know that the public has shown it wants a peaceful, principled, and consistent struggle against the regime."
Kirtadze added that the public has already developed "immunity and rejection" toward parties led by Mamuka Khazaradze and Mikheil Saakashvili.
"These parties have been identified as obstructive forces and, therefore, were excluded from the creation of the new political process. We will soon see this process take shape - one that has the potential to demonstrate real strength.
Once such a political force emerges on the opposition front, voters will not wait for Khazaradze or Saakashvili to tell them what to do. They will themselves join the democratic movement that will ultimately lead to a change of regime," Kirtadze concluded.
