The News in Brief
Tuesday, October 8, 2024
Prepared by Messenger Staff
Georgian Dream to Initiate New Impeachment Proceedings Against President Zourabichvili
On October 7, Parliament Chairman Shalva Papuashvili announced that the ruling Georgian Dream party will initiate another round of impeachment proceedings against President Salome Zourabichvili. The decision comes after Zourabichvili's recent visits to European countries, which Papuashvili claims violated the Georgian Constitution.
Papuashvili explained that despite a prior Constitutional Court ruling that found Zourabichvili guilty of violating the constitution, the "radical opposition" had shielded her from impeachment. He stated, "After she received this security, she continued to violate the Constitution at will," referring to Zourabichvili's foreign visits to France, Germany, Poland, and Belgium without government approval.
The Chairman also criticized foreign governments for receiving Zourabichvili during these visits, calling it a violation of the principle of non-interference in domestic affairs. "The reception of Salome Zurabishvili without the mandatory consent of the Georgian government is a violation of the principle of non-interference and goes against our common European values," he remarked.
Papuashvili confirmed that Georgian Dream will submit a new impeachment request to the Constitutional Court before the parliamentary elections. He noted that if the ruling party gains a constitutional majority in the elections, they will impeach Zourabichvili during the first session of parliament.
President Zourabichvili Seeks to Repair Relations with Europe
On October 5, President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili spoke about her recent visits to European countries, addressing the need to mend ties with the West amid the government's current isolation. In an interview with TV Pirveli she remarked, "The reason for my visits was precisely that our relations with everyone are ruined." She stressed the importance of demonstrating a commitment to EU integration in the upcoming elections to restore Georgia's position within the European framework.
Zourabichvili indicated that during her trips, she received assurances from European leaders about the EU's willingness to engage with Georgia. "If Georgians decide that the EU is the ultimate goal, the open window opportunity granted to Georgia because of Ukraine is still open and waiting," she stated, underscoring that a favorable decision from the EU Council in June 2025 could lead to the initiation of accession negotiations.
The President emphasized the critical role of public servants in shaping Georgia's future and ensuring democratic development after the elections. She highlighted her discussions with the Polish President, who will chair the EU Council next year, noting that their cooperation could be pivotal in advancing Georgia's EU aspirations.
Georgian Dream to Initiate New Impeachment Proceedings Against President Zourabichvili
Papuashvili explained that despite a prior Constitutional Court ruling that found Zourabichvili guilty of violating the constitution, the "radical opposition" had shielded her from impeachment. He stated, "After she received this security, she continued to violate the Constitution at will," referring to Zourabichvili's foreign visits to France, Germany, Poland, and Belgium without government approval.
The Chairman also criticized foreign governments for receiving Zourabichvili during these visits, calling it a violation of the principle of non-interference in domestic affairs. "The reception of Salome Zurabishvili without the mandatory consent of the Georgian government is a violation of the principle of non-interference and goes against our common European values," he remarked.
Papuashvili confirmed that Georgian Dream will submit a new impeachment request to the Constitutional Court before the parliamentary elections. He noted that if the ruling party gains a constitutional majority in the elections, they will impeach Zourabichvili during the first session of parliament.
President Zourabichvili Seeks to Repair Relations with Europe
Zourabichvili indicated that during her trips, she received assurances from European leaders about the EU's willingness to engage with Georgia. "If Georgians decide that the EU is the ultimate goal, the open window opportunity granted to Georgia because of Ukraine is still open and waiting," she stated, underscoring that a favorable decision from the EU Council in June 2025 could lead to the initiation of accession negotiations.
The President emphasized the critical role of public servants in shaping Georgia's future and ensuring democratic development after the elections. She highlighted her discussions with the Polish President, who will chair the EU Council next year, noting that their cooperation could be pivotal in advancing Georgia's EU aspirations.