[6] The idea to establish the NRP began to emerge during the time when Eduard Shevardnadze was still President and his Citizens’ Union of Georgia (CUG) was an influential force on the political stage of the country.

After formation, despite small membership, the New Faction (at that point there were only ten members) managed to significantly change the situation in the Parliament.

This triggered fierce public discontent nationwide, which eventually resulted in the toppling of Shevardnadze's regime in the Rose Revolution.

Despite the outrage of the people, the NRP considered it unacceptable that the government should be changed by means of street demonstrations, as they believed it to be unconstitutional.

The NRP united with another center-right party — Industry will Save Georgia — and formed a Coalition Right Opposition.