President Zourabichvili Urges Vigilance Against Electoral Challenges and Pro-Russian Influence
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, February 26, 2024
On the occasion of the anniversary of the Soviet occupation, various commemorative events took place at the Orbeliani Palace. Addressing a gathering of young people and students invited to the event, President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili delivered a speech honoring the memory of the heroes who sacrificed their lives in the fight for Georgia's statehood and independence.
In her speech, Zourabichvili emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming elections, highlighting their importance in determining the next steps for Georgia, particularly in terms of opening negotiations for EU accession.
The President of Georgia warned of the challenges ahead, noting the presence of opposition forces opposed to Georgia's independence, sovereignty, and European integration.
Zourabichvili stated that the forthcoming election is a pivotal moment for Georgia's European identity. She expressed the need for preparedness in the face of potential Russian propaganda and the mobilization of pro-Russian groups. She urged the youth of Georgia to be vigilant and committed, emphasizing the significance of their mobilization.
"We are now entering a very difficult period as we prepare for the elections, which, as everyone tells us and we know very well, will be decisive for us to take the next step. This step, even more important, involves the opening of negotiations. Therefore, around these elections, there will be a fierce battle involving all those dark forces who do not want the independence, sovereignty, or European integration of Georgia.
Therefore, this election will be akin to a 'Europe, or no Europe' type of election, and we should be prepared for everything-from the activation of Russian propaganda, which we are already witnessing, to the mobilization of pro-Russian groups, which is also evident. While they may not explicitly identify themselves as such, it seems apparent that they are, and there will likely be many of them. Financing them will probably not be difficult.
You must be mobilized. This is your country, your future, and your state. You have to be mobilized, alert, and most importantly, you have to do your job. But the mobilization of the people, the mobilization of the youth, is something that can really defeat all other efforts that can be made. We must be ready, but we must fear nothing," Zourabichvili said.
