On the day of Mikheil Kavelashvili‘s inauguration as Georgia’s new president, Salome Zourabichvili, the country’s fifth president, announced her departure from the Orbeliani Palace. Speaking outside the presidential residence, she declared her solidarity with the Georgian people, asserting that the legitimacy of leadership stems solely from public trust.
Zourabichvili characterised the Georgian Parliament as a “void” and the Palace grounds as a gathering point for “the society of Georgia.” She explained her decision to leave the presidential residence by stating, “This building belongs to no one; it was a symbol as long as it housed a legitimate president. Today, I take with me legitimacy, the flag, and the trust of the Georgian people.”
A Stand Against “Illegitimacy”
The former president used her speech to criticise the ruling Georgian Dream party and its alleged subservience to oligarchic interests. Zourabichvili accused Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire widely seen as the ruling party’s influential figure, of refusing to engage in dialogue to address the nation’s political crisis.
She denounced the government’s actions as a betrayal of Georgia’s historical struggle for sovereignty, accusing it of “real war against its own people.” Zourabichvili also pointed to increasing repression, violence, and what she termed a “cynical attitude towards the will of the people” as evidence of the current leadership’s illegitimacy.
“We see two contrasting realities: those in power, locked in fear, illegitimate and unrecognised; and the people, open, free, and united by love for the country,” Zourabichvili remarked.
Call for New Elections
Zourabichvili reiterated her call for new elections, arguing that they represent the only viable path out of Georgia’s political crisis. She pledged to work alongside opposition forces to draft the necessary documentation and ensure that future elections are conducted fairly, respecting principles such as voting secrecy and inclusivity for the Georgian diaspora.
“These elections will happen. There is no other path. This is the universal resolution in times of crisis across all nations,” she stated.
Criticism of Georgian Dream
In her address, Zourabichvili criticised Georgian Dream’s handling of domestic and foreign policy. She accused the ruling party of isolating Georgia from the international community and attempting to align the country with Russia, a move she described as a “Russian tragedy” for the nation.
“Their policies have sown division in our society, breaking the bonds of unity in sport, culture, and other areas, echoing what our historical adversary, Russia, has done for centuries,” Zourabichvili claimed.
She also highlighted internal dissent within the ruling party and government sectors, citing growing dissatisfaction among officials and business leaders.
Advocating for Freedoms and Solidarity
Zourabichvili called for the release of political detainees and reinforced the need to protect free media. She emphasised that freedom of the press is essential to ensuring democratic elections and a free society.
“It is our shared duty to safeguard independent journalism and support those who have suffered political persecution,” she said, urging solidarity with dismissed public officials and politically motivated detainees.
Future Engagements
Looking ahead, Zourabichvili outlined her plans to engage with various sectors of Georgian society, including businesses, public sector representatives, and emerging political movements. She expressed her commitment to strengthening civil society and empowering grassroots political forces.
The former president announced her intention to travel across Georgia, including visits to Batumi and Kutaisi, as well as international engagements to raise awareness about the nation’s challenges. She plans to meet with Georgian communities abroad and discuss strategies to protect the country’s democratic aspirations.
A New Year’s Message
Zourabichvili concluded her speech with an optimistic vision for 2025. She stated her intention to celebrate New Year’s Eve on Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue, symbolising her alignment with the Georgian people’s hopes for a brighter future.
“This will be a truly new year, full of peace and victory,” she declared.
After addressing the gathered citizens, Zourabichvili left the Orbeliani Palace and joined the crowd.
