October 26 elections will be decisive for Georgia’s future, says President Zurabishvili

The upcoming parliamentary elections in Georgia, set for October 26, will be critical in determining the country’s future, said Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili during her address at the Warsaw Security Forum. Participating in the panel “Key Lessons for European Security,” Zurabishvili highlighted the importance of these elections, emphasizing the ongoing struggle between pro-European forces and those seeking to pull Georgia away from its European path.

“Democratic and pro-European forces have always existed in Georgia, representing the majority of our population. These forces understand where our future lies—there is no alternative to Europe,” she said.

“Despite the challenges of the past 30 years, including the war and Russia’s continued efforts to divert us, 80% of Georgians firmly support a European future,” she added.

The president noted that while many forces are working against the will of the Georgian people, she remains confident in the country’s European trajectory.

“Ukraine is not just fighting for its independence and Europe’s freedom; it is also defending our freedom. The outcome of the war in Ukraine, the elections in Moldova, and our own elections will shape the future of Europe and the security of the Black Sea,” she explained.

When asked about the current state of democratic freedoms in Georgia, Zurabishvili expressed concern over the erosion of democratic values under the current government.

“We are experiencing a hybrid war—propaganda, pressure, and fear. The implementation of a Russian-style law aimed at suppressing civil society is a clear sign of this,” she said, noting that she believes the will of the Georgian people will overcome those threats.

Zurabishvili highlighted the strength of the Georgian people, who have endured significant pressure and hardship in their fight to protect their independence and European aspirations.

“The people know that bowing to Russia doesn’t bring peace, nor does compromise with Russia. This has been proven time and time again,” she added.

The President also addressed concerns about potential Russian military action if the elections do not go in Moscow’s favor. While she does not expect immediate military intervention, Zurabishvili acknowledged that “we can never say ‘never’ when it comes to Russia.”

She believes, however, that Russia’s current strategy in Georgia is more focused on political influence, with the ruling Georgian Dream party representing Moscow’s interests.

Zurabishvili underscored the importance of Western support, particularly moral support for the Georgian people during this critical period.

“What we need most is moral support for our people and a large number of observers during the elections. This will help Georgians feel that they are not alone,” she said. “Isolation is the worst nightmare for a small country like Georgia,” she said.

The President also addressed the potential implications in the US policy, particularly remarks made by American politicians like Donald Trump, who has suggested negotiating with Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine. Zurabishvili expressed confidence that US policy toward Georgia and Ukraine remains bipartisan and that the international community will continue to support the fight for freedom and democracy.