Refusal to leave palace for successor backed by autocratic Georgian Dream party on day of departure stirs protestersIn Georgia’s turbulent political standoff, President Salome Zourabichvili has emerged as a defiant figure.Zourabichvili’s role in Georgia is ceremonial, but far from fading into irrelevance in the twilight of her presidency, she has become a rallying figure for those opposed to the erosion of democracy and the abandonment of Georgia’s European aspirations. On Sunday, she is supposed to step down and hand the Orbeliani Palace to her successor, Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former football player backed by the ruling party, Georgian Dream, but she has said she will refuse. Continue reading...
Despite her ceremonial role, Georgia's President Salome Zourabichvili has become a symbol of hope and resistance against the erosion of democracy and pro-European aspirations in Georgia.
Facing a ruling party that seeks absolute control, Zourabichvili's outspoken criticism and unwavering stance against authoritarianism have galvanized public support, particularly among young Georgians. She embodies defiance against the oligarchic grip on power and offers a counterpoint to the ruling elite's isolation.
Her refusal to be silenced and her active participation in pro-democracy protests demonstrate a commitment to upholding democratic values and a rejection of the autocratic vision championed by the Georgian Dream party.
Ultimately, Zourabichvili's role in this turbulent political climate is to stand as a beacon of hope and a symbol of resistance against the forces seeking to undermine democracy in Georgia.
Despite her ceremonial role, Georgia's President Salome Zourabichvili has become a symbol of hope and resistance against the erosion of democracy and pro-European aspirations in Georgia. Facing a ruling party that seeks absolute control, Zourabichvili's outspoken criticism and unwavering stance against authoritarianism have galvanized public support, particularly among young Georgians. She embodies defiance against the oligarchic grip on power and offers a counterpoint to the ruling elite's isolation. Her refusal to be silenced and her active participation in pro-democracy protests demonstrate a commitment to upholding democratic values and a rejection of the autocratic vision championed by the Georgian Dream party. Ultimately, Zourabichvili's role in this turbulent political climate is to stand as a beacon of hope and a symbol of resistance against the forces seeking to undermine democracy in Georgia.
