Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has declared her intent to remain in office beyond the official end of her mandate, citing the absence of a legitimate parliament capable of electing her successor. The statement, made during an address to the Georgian public, comes amid heightened political tensions and ongoing protests in the country.
Zourabichvili’s Decision
President Zourabichvili, whose term is set to conclude in December 2024, justified her decision by pointing to the legitimacy crisis facing Georgia’s parliament. “My mandate will remain valid until a legitimately elected parliament is in place to lawfully elect someone to replace me. I stand with you and will continue to do so,” she stated, as reported by Georgian broadcaster Pirveli.
Zourabichvili emphasised her commitment to leading the political process during this period, announcing plans to meet with representatives from civil society and political parties.
“Together, we will shape the political process, which you are leading from the streets and across various sectors of society. Together, we will chart a future that will soon be realised through new elections,” Zourabichvili said.
Context of Political Unrest
The political backdrop to Zourabichvili’s announcement includes renewed protests across Georgia, sparked by the ruling party Georgian Dream’s decision to abandon negotiations regarding EU accession. Demonstrations have erupted in multiple cities, including Tbilisi, Batumi, Zugdidi, Kutaisi, and Telavi, with additional protests planned in other regions.
The protests reflect widespread dissatisfaction with the current government, which the opposition accuses of undermining Georgia’s European aspirations. In recent parliamentary elections, Georgian Dream claimed victory, but the opposition has refused to recognise the results, alleging irregularities and boycotting the newly formed parliament.
The Transition of Power
Zourabichvili’s successor is set to be chosen through a new, indirect election process. For the first time, the president will not be elected by popular vote but by a 300-member electoral college. This body will include 150 parliamentary deputies, 20 representatives from the Supreme Council of Abkhazia, 21 from the Supreme Council of Adjara, and 109 delegates from local self-government entities.
Georgian Dream has already named former footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili as its presidential candidate. However, the legitimacy of the electoral college and the broader political process remains contentious, given the opposition’s rejection of the parliamentary elections’ results.
Protests and Public Sentiment
The renewed protests signify a growing divide between the Georgian populace and the ruling establishment. Demonstrators have voiced frustration over Georgian Dream’s decision to halt EU membership talks, a move seen as contrary to the country’s pro-European aspirations. Protesters have gathered at several key locations in Tbilisi, including outside the Georgian parliament and the headquarters of the public broadcaster. Similar demonstrations have unfolded in other cities, underscoring the breadth of dissatisfaction.
