Georgian President Zourabichvili Calls for Unity and New Elections Amid Political Crisis
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, November 25, 2024
On November 22, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili gave an in-depth interview to Mtavari TV, addressing the country's ongoing political crisis following the disputed October 26 elections. She expressed hope for a resolution, emphasizing the importance of unity among Georgian citizens and strong international support.
President Zourabichvili described the recent elections as a "stolen" event and called on citizens to resist accepting the current state of affairs. Drawing parallels to Georgia's history of emigration and hope for independence, she said, "We shouldn't come to terms with the stolen elections... This is not the reality we should accept."
She criticized the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, describing its governance as authoritarian and likening the country's political structure to Russia's centralized control. She warned that GD's dominance has led to a one-party rule across government institutions, threatening Georgia's democratic and European aspirations.
President Zourabichvili highlighted the international community's non-recognition for GD's electoral victory, noting the absence of congratulatory messages from key Western allies. She cited this as a sign of global disapproval, saying, "The whole democratic world does not recognize Georgian Dream's victory."
She further warned of an impending financial crisis, exacerbated by Georgia's lack of an IMF program and dwindling national reserves. She predicted growing isolation for the GD government, stating that international disinterest and reduced aid could lead to internal and external pressures that destabilize the administration.
Zourabichvili addressed the opposition's strategies, predicting they would boycott Parliament and calling comparisons to the 2020 elections inappropriate. "Whoever enters Parliament today will enter Russia," she declared, underscoring the stakes for Georgia's European future.
She also criticized GD's plans to ensure future presidential candidates align with party expectations, describing the move as further consolidating GD's power.
Despite the challenges, the President expressed optimism about Georgia's path, asserting, "There will undoubtedly be new elections, a technical government, and a coalition." She urged the Constitutional Court judges to act courageously in preserving Georgia's democracy, hinting at the pivotal role they play in the nation's future.
Zourabichvili concluded by affirming her commitment to remaining active in Georgia's political landscape even after her presidential term ends. Her vision for the country remains rooted in its European integration and democratic progress.
