Salome Zourabichvili and Opposition Appeal to European Leaders Over Georgia’s Political Crisis
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Georgia’s fifth President, Salome Zourabichvili, along with opposition parties and civil society organizations, has sent an urgent appeal to European leaders ahead of the European Council meeting. The letter, released by Zourabichvili’s press service, warns of an escalating crisis in Georgia, accusing the ruling authorities of establishing a “Russian-inspired regime” and calling for international intervention.
“We are appealing to you to give due consideration to the current highly concerning developments in Georgia, where a Russian-inspired regime is adding every day to its array of repressive measures against Georgian democracy, sovereignty, and its European future,” the letter states.
The appeal argues that Europe must focus on Georgia due to three key factors: democracy, sovereignty, and strategic security.
Zourabichvili and opposition leaders claim that the Georgian government is systematically dismantling democratic institutions and violating fundamental rights, reversing two decades of progress toward European integration.
“A one-man, Russia-supported dictator should not be allowed to defy European and American partners, nor to transform a determined pro-European population, a Candidate country, into a Russian satellite,” the statement reads.
The letter also alleges that Georgia is part of a broader Russian strategy to exert influence over the region through hybrid warfare, rather than direct military intervention.
“What is happening in Georgia since the rigged elections and the November 28 decision to stop its European path is nothing else but the attempt by Russia to test an alternative hybrid instrument to reestablish domination over a sovereign, independent, pro-European country,” the appeal claims.
The appeal urges European leaders to intervene diplomatically and facilitate a high-level discussion on holding new elections in Georgia. It warns that the current crisis, if unresolved, could lead to further destabilization.
“The only peaceful way out of such a dead end is new elections,” Zourabichvili states, emphasizing the need for European and American mediation.
The letter also calls for direct support for civil society, independent media, and political prisoners, arguing that Europe must take a stronger role in defending democratic values in Georgia.
“Europe has to stand up, when America leaves, not only on defense issues but in supporting civil society and essential freedoms,” the letter states.
The appeal concludes with a request for Georgia’s political crisis to be included in the agenda of the next European Council meeting, with Zourabichvili and opposition leaders offering to testify before the European Parliament.
