Georgian President Defies Government, Vows to Remain in Office Amid Protest Uproar
A constitutional crisis has gripped the Caucasus nation of Georgia, pitting the president, Salome Zourabichvili, against the ruling Georgian Dream party after the political fallout from the government’s shock decision to halt its bid for EU membership.
President Zourabichvili declared her tenure as president will continue beyond its December expiration date, arguing the parliament elected in a disputed October election is illegitimate and thus lacks the authority to choose her successor.
"There is no legitimate parliament and, therefore, an illegitimate parliament cannot elect a new president. Thus, no inauguration can take place, and my mandate continues until a legitimately elected parliament is formed,” Zourabichvili declared on Saturday.
Her defiance follows the Georgian Dream’s decision to freeze its pursuit of EU membership for the next four years, clarifying that this decision was driven by accusations against Brussels of "blackmail."tau. This unexpected move sparked massive protests across the country. While Georgia’s constitution enshrines EU membership as a national goal, initial attempts to ascend have been met with roadblocks due to concerns raised by Brussels over laws restricting LGBTQ+ rights and organizations labelled as "foreign agents" – a move echoing similar Russian-framed legislation.
The timing of the Georgian Dream’s decision is particularly concerning as it comes after a debated election in October which saw the governing party secure just over 54% of the vote, a result disputed by opponents who allege widespread irregularities. Concerns about the legitimacy of the election are compounded by the apparent entrenchment of pro-Russian stances within the Georgian Dream party, led by the billionaire ex-Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, who has increasingly adopted stances against Western integration.
The suspension of Georgia’s EU aspirations has roiled the country. The government has already drawn criticism for progress perceived as falling back into alignment with Moscow agreeing to direct flights with Russia earlier this year. Moreover, visa restrictions for Georgian citizens traveling to Russia were lifted recently, signaling growing ties between Tbilisi and the Kremlin – a高山 development characterized by another tumultuous chapter in the decades long, precarious relationship between the two nations.
In response to the government’s decision on EU membership, thousands of protesters have flooded the streets of Tbilisi and other cities across Georgia. Images and recordings shared online depict clashes with police, barricades erected across the central Rustaveli Avenue, using fireworks as a challenging against riot the dispersing of protesters.
Joining the chorus of opposition to the halting of EU expectations, the Word President, Irakli Kobakhidze, accused opponents of fueling turmoil imitative of Ukraine’s 2014 Maidan revolution against a pro-Moscow government, which he explicitly declared would not be replicated. "Some people want a repeat of that scenario in Georgia. But there will be no Maidan in Georgia,” Kobakhidze asserted.
Concern has spread across Georgia’s government and public institution, with employees of ministries – including Foreign affairs, defense, justice, and education – signing open letters condemning the suspension. Two prominent diplomats, stationed in Italy and the Netherlands respectively, publicly resigned in protest.
Even national sporting heroes have joined the protests. Football star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, known for his dazzling performances on the field, voiced his support for the protesters. In a statement on Facebook he expressed his solidarity, proclaiming "My country hurts, my people hurt – it’s painful and emotional to watch the videos that are circulating. Stop the violence and aggression! Georgia deserves Europe today more than ever!” Kvaratskhel!
The stalemate between President Zourabichvili and the national parliament casts a dark cloud over the prospect of Georgia’s future integration into the European Union. As the crisis unfolds, uncertainty hangs heavy in the air. With a nation divided, international observers are watching closely as the struggle for Georgia’s democratic future and strategic trajectory continues.
## Defiant Presidency: A Crisis of Legitimacy in Georgia
**An expert interview with Dr. Natalia sokolova, Caucasus Region Specialist, Institute of International Relations**
**World Today News:** Dr.Sokolova, thank you for joining us. Georgia is facing a political crisis after President Zourabichvili refused to step down despite the expiration date of her mandate. What are the key factors fueling this stand-off?
**Dr. Sokolova:** This crisis is a culmination of several factors. The recent decision by the ruling Georgian Dream party to freeze its EU membership bid has sparked widespread outrage and protests. Many see this move as a betrayal of Georgia’s aspirations and a sign of the government’s growing authoritarianism.
Adding fuel to the fire is the disputed nature of the October 2020 parliamentary elections. Opposition parties and international observers have raised concerns about irregularities and fraud. President Zourabichvili, capitalizing on this sentiment, is refusing to recognize the legitimacy of the current parliament to choose her successor.
**World today News:** President zourabichvili argues that a “legitimately elected parliament” is required to remove her. How legally sound is this position?
**Dr. Sokolova:** This is a murky legal area. While the Georgian constitution outlines presidential term limits, it doesn’t explicitly address situations where the legitimacy of the parliament is contested.This ambiguity provides President Zourabichvili with a platform to challenge the process, further deepening the constitutional crisis.
**world Today News:** What are the potential consequences of this power struggle?
**Dr. Sokolova:** This crisis has the potential to destabilize Georgia substantially. Protests are likely to escalate, potentially leading to violence and social unrest.
Furthermore, it risks further straining Georgia’s already elaborate relationship with the EU. Brussels has already voiced its concerns over the suspended EU membership bid, and this constitutional crisis could lead to further sanctions and isolation for Georgia.
**World Today news:** How do you see this unfolding? What are the possible scenarios for resolving the crisis?
**Dr. Sokolova:**
We’re facing a complex situation with no easy solutions. Several potential scenarios are playing out:
* **Compromise:**
The Georgian Dream party and President Zourabichvili could engage in negotiations, perhaps agreeing on a transitional government or early elections. This would be a difficult path, requiring a importent shift in position from both sides.
* **Escalation:**
Protests could intensify, potentially leading to a crackdown by the government.This scenario risks further violence and instability.
* **Judicial Intervention:**
Georgia’s Constitutional Court could be called upon to rule on the legality of President Zourabichvili’s refusal to step down. However, the court itself has been subject to politicization, raising concerns about its impartiality.
What is the potential impact on Georgia’s future, particularly its aspirations for EU membership?
**Dr. Sokolova:**
The current crisis casts a long shadow over Georgia’s EU aspirations.
The EU prioritizes democratic values, rule of law, and respect for human rights. The current events, including the controversial decision to halt the EU membership bid, raise serious questions about Georgia’s commitment to these principles. Rebuilding trust with Brussels and demonstrating its commitment to democratic reforms will be crucial for Georgia to overcome this crisis and remain on a path toward EU membership.
**World Today News:** Thank you, Dr. Sokolova, for your valuable insights.
