Georgian President meets with opposition parties

On December 25, Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili held another meeting with representatives of parliamentary opposition parties at the Orbeliani Palace. Discussions focused on strategies to navigate the country’s ongoing political crisis and the potential for new elections.

Following the meeting, Anna Dolidze, leader of the For the People party, expressed the opposition’s commitment to supporting the president. She revealed that the parties offered their physical presence at the palace as a demonstration of solidarity.

“We proposed full support to the president in her fight for independence. We are prepared to remain at the palace after December 29, declaring it the sole legitimate center of Georgia’s presidency. This is one of the nonviolent, legitimate measures we are ready to take,” Dolidze stated, without clarifying President Zourabichvili’s stance on the proposal.

Nika Gvaramia, leader of the Akhali party, highlighted plans for a larger gathering at the Orbeliani Palace on December 29, indicating that representatives from various sectors beyond politics may participate. “I personally believe this support will be significant and widespread. Ultimately, it’s up to the president to decide how things will unfold,” Gvaramia commented.

The discussions also touched on drafting conditions for a new electoral process. According to Dolidze, the parties, alongside the president, are exploring mechanisms to ensure fair elections. “We are working on presenting conditions under which new, acceptable, and just elections can be held. This requires broad engagement across society, and that’s why these meetings are crucial,” she added.

Mikheil Kavelashvili’s inauguration will take place on December 29. PM Irakli Kobakhidze stated that after this, the presence of Zourabichvili and others at the residence will be considered a criminal offense.