President Salome Zourabichvili addressed thousands of protesters on Rustaveli Avenue, amid rising tensions over the country's electoral future. Standing under the watchful eyes of revered figures from Georgia's history, she called on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the chairman of the ruling Georgian Dream party, to negotiate the terms for new elections.
Zourabichvili made her remarks at the First Georgian Gymnasium, emphasizing the symbolic importance of the location. 'Behind me, Ilia Chavchavadze and Akaki Tsereteli are looking down on the new Georgia,' she said, expressing her vision of a strong and European future for the nation. 'Tomorrow, the day after tomorrow, it will be strong, very European Georgia, and no one can stop it.'
The president's insistence was fueled by recent claims from Georgian Dream officials dismissing the protest size. She sarcastically referenced Irakli Kobakhidze's assertion of only 'a few hundred' attendees: 'True, there are about 300 of you here, but we are not afraid,' she countered, implying the protest's broader significance.
Invoking the memory of Giorgi Antsukhelidze, the Georgian military hero tortured and murdered by Russian forces for his loyalty to the Georgian flag, Zourabichvili declared, 'We all have a duty to him... Georgia never yields when it is right.' This evoked strong sentiments from those gathered, reinforcing their commitment to resist perceived authoritarian governance.
The backdrop to Zourabichvili's speech includes mass protests now entering their 25th day, sparked by discontent over the Georgian Dream party’s December decision to halt progress toward EU accession. Despite violent dispersals by law enforcement, protesters have maintained their presence on the streets.
'I remain faithful to the Constitution I swore on six years ago,' Zourabichvili stated assertively, echoing her role as the Commander-in-Chief and President of all Georgians. She has positioned herself as both the protector of constitutional order and the people's representative. 'I want the date for new elections to be decided before December 29. Whoever wants for things to end well, let them come to the palace,' she urged, calling for Ivanishvili’s participation.
Throughout her address, audio and live streaming issues interrupted Zourabichvili multiple times, leading to speculation of deliberate interference. 'They seem to be stealing not only our stage but also my voice,' she remarked, vowing to deliver her address again from the Presidential Palace.
The continuing unrest symbolizes broader dissatisfaction with the ruling party, with millions of Georgians feeling disillusioned by the legacy of the Georgian Dream. Recent actions by the government, including violence against demonstrators and the curtailing of reforms, have amplified calls for accountability.
Following her impassioned speech, the atmosphere on Rustaveli Avenue was charged with emotion and determination. Many attendees chanted for democratic reforms and the restoration of Georgia's European path, expressing their unity and commitment to democracy.
The political climate leading to the protests is complex, with discontent rooted deeply in the public's desire for free and fair elections, system accountability, and European alignment. Georgians reflect on their past and envision their future, embodying the resilience of their national spirit.
Looking forward, the resolution of the political stand-off hinges on fruitful negotiations between Zourabichvili and Ivanishvili. The December 29 deadline looms, and with it, the expectation for substantial dialogue or new demonstrations. With protesters unwavering and the president steadfast, Georgia stands at a pivotal crossroads.
