Eastern European Leaders Back Georgian President's Call for New Elections

| News, Politics, Georgia

Polish President Andrzej Duda stated that new elections, in accordance with OSCE recommendations, are the way out of the current political crisis in Georgia. In a post on the social network X, Duda wrote that he had spoken to the Georgian president by phone.

“I spoke with President @Zourabichvili_S about the situation in Georgia. I reassured Madam President of my unwavering support for her leadership and the European aspirations of the Georgian people. They have an inalienable right to move towards a united Europe. New elections, in accordance with @osce recommendations, are the way out of the current crisis.”

Simultaneously, Petr Pavel, President of the Czech Republic, held a phone call with the Georgian president and shared the details of their conversation regarding the latest developments in Georgia.

In a post on the X platform, the Czech president stated: “Last Friday, the OSCE released its report on the elections in Georgia, prompting a call from President @Zourabichvili_S today to discuss the latest developments. She informed me not only about the various shortcomings in the October elections highlighted in the report but also about ongoing repression, violence, and recent legislative changes that increasingly align Georgia with Russia. I offer my support to the President in her efforts to navigate this challenging situation, as well as to the Georgian citizens who continue to fight for a democratic future for their country.”

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, in a video message released on December 23, called on the Georgian Dream and the party's honorary chairman, Bidzina Ivanishvili, to engage in dialogue and compromise. Zourabichvili appealed to Ivanishvili to meet with the parties or even face-to-face.

"They don't like it very much when I talk about dialogue and compromise. We are radicals, and the other side is always the 'dove of peace,' demanding dialogue, etc. The dialogue on these issues should be with me, as a mediator, and with those who participated in the elections and observed them.

On the other side is [Bidzina] Ivanishvili, and I don't know how many representatives he appointed... Even if he comes alone, it doesn't matter. I will be alone then, too. There is very little time for that. This crisis is unbearable. If it comes to the idea that we should take care of this country and society, calm it down, and give it what is key to calm and peace, then let's meet. Why postpone it? This week, until December 29, I am ready and will accept. We can meet in any format; it will be very simple," said Zourabichvili.

She also spoke about the alternative plan, which, according to her, is "to topple the regime."

“The overthrow of the regime is an alternative, or dialogue, a compromise, a concession. Everything will not be as the 'Dream' thinks. It is necessary to make concessions, it is necessary to admit things; otherwise, this regime will collapse on its own. There is no one's hand here, neither the war party nor the Ghom party. It is your hand, those of you in power, because you did not come to your senses in time.”

See Also

"Caucasus Watch" seeks local specialists from Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and the North Caucasus region. We offer a flexible format of cooperation, competitive remuneration and access to a European readership. Send CV, cover letter and writing sample to redaktion@caucasuswatch.de. Questions: i.dostalik@caucasuswatch.de

Our website uses cookies. By clicking on "I accept cookies", you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with the terms of our Cookie Policy. If you want to disable cookies follow the instructions in our Cookie Policy so that cookies from this website cannot be placed on your device.