Zourabichvili Urges Unity Warns Elections Impossible Under Current Conditions
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, June 6, 2025
Georgia's 5th President Salome Zourabichvili has issued a stark warning about the nation's political future declaring that free and fair parliamentary elections are unachievable under the current regime. Speaking at a briefing she called for unity among opposition parties stressing that fragmentation only strengthens the ruling authorities.
"Under this regime even parliamentary elections are impossible" Zourabichvili said. "Without unity we might as well pack up and go our separate ways handing this semi-collapsed regime the victory it neither deserves nor can achieve."
She described the existing government as already weakened and accused it of surviving politically due to divisions among those seeking change. "It is the political responsibility of the parties to come to their senses and understand that unity is essential" she stated.
Zourabichvili emphasized the need for continued pressure both inside the country and from international partners. "The effort must continue - not only among the public but also with our international partners - and pressure on the regime must be maintained" she said.
She revealed that a working platform of political and civil groups had developed a document outlining conditions for holding credible elections. "These are the conditions we have presented" Zourabichvili explained "but the effort must continue."
She also highlighted the role of public mobilization and external diplomacy. "From the outside through sanctions and pressure from partners from the inside through protest which is the strongest of these three necessary components."
In her remarks Zourabichvili issued a strong appeal to the broader political spectrum urging collective responsibility. "Those elections will only happen if the protest continues only if international partners keep up their pressure and only if political parties can jointly present their vision and alternative for the country's future."
She concluded with a call for reflection and a warning against inaction. "Everyone bears great responsibility. First let's reflect - and then speak."
