Opposition Party Leader Refuses to Back Saakashvili in Presidential Elections

Leader of the Traditionalists party Akaki Asatiani refused to support Mikheil Saakashvili in January 4 presidential elections. Asatiani did not rule out to run for presidency.  

?I do not agree with Saakashvili?s pre-election slogans regarding non-payment of taxes, doubling of pensions and salaries. This is nothing more but demagogy,? Akaki Asatiani said at a news briefing on December 1.

Akaki Asatiani was in the opposition collation with Nino Burjanadze, the Interim President and Zurab Zhvania, the State Minister, during the November 2 parliamentary elections and also supported Saakashvili during the street protests.

However after nominating Mikheil Saakashvili for the presidential post, Akaki Asatiani split from the coalition.