Key members leave Girchi – More Freedom party

Politicians Tsotne Koberidze and Boris (Chele) Kurua, co-founders of Girchi – More Freedom, have announced their departure from both the party and the Coalition for Change. Another member, Badri Grigalashvili, has also left.

Koberidze apologized to voters, citing mistakes made by the party:
“I feel that what we’re doing is no longer new—everything is the same. I don’t believe change can come by repeating the same things.”

He also criticized the coalition’s strategy:
“I don’t believe in a victory formula where the main political weapon is Salome Zourabichvili—the president elected in the worst possible way by Bidzina Ivanishvili.”

Chele Kurua echoed the need for internal reflection:
“Russia will never be in Georgia again, but change is desperately needed. We won’t achieve it unless we change something within ourselves and stop going in circles.”

Grigalashvili also expressed disillusionment:
“I am leaving because I no longer see the point of being in politics in this form and with this approach. The opposition’s current path leads nowhere, and we can’t afford to ignore the need for internal change any longer.”

While none of the politicians have revealed their future plans, Koberidze hinted at a new political approach:
“If I do anything in politics, it will be new—based on calmness, competence, honesty, and openness. If I fail, at least I tried.”

Party leader Zurab Girchi Japaridze responded by thanking them and wishing them success but has yet to make further statements.
“Thank you for standing by me during the most difficult times and through every decision—right or wrong. Wishing you success in any new endeavor. We’ll stand together on the barricades.”