After meeting Mikheil Saakashvili he served as one of the main figures in newly founded United National Movement and was actively campaigning against president Eduard Shevardnadze. He didn't take active part in 2003 Georgian demonstrations because of the tensions that aroused between he and Saakashvili. However, he remained a member of Saakashvili's party until the end of 2004 Adjara crisis during which he was severely beaten by Abashidze's supporters. Davitashvili was elected as a member of Parliament of Georgia and shortly after end of elections left the UNM along with Conservative Party of Georgia. After moving to opposition he started active campaigning against President Saakashvili and at certain point publicly accused him of cheating on wife.