Georgian President speaks of Ruling Party’s Divergence from EU Aspirations

President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili expressed concern over the ruling Georgian Dream party’s shifted away from the country’s longstanding goal of European Union (EU) membership while addressing the attendees of the 8th Tbilisi International Conference “Transitional Year.”

“Georgia is really at a turning point. Georgian Dream stopped being a dream and became a nightmare,” she went on condemning the ruling party’s actions, which she believes have distanced the country from its European goals.

The President’s remarks underscored a growing frustration with the current government’s policies and their impact on Georgia’s democratic trajectory and EU aspirations. According to her, some individuals within the ruling party have disparaged key international partners and failed to address ongoing territorial occupations by neighboring countries.

Zurabishvili underlined that the Georgian people have already voiced their discontent through protests and other forms of public expression. She expressed confidence that the upcoming October 26 elections will demonstrate people’s will to get closer to the EU.

“Georgian people have already said twice – last year and this year very clearly – that they do not agree with what is happening in this country. They do not accept this new image of Georgia and they are not ready to submit to this new authoritarian regime and power… No power in this country can override the will of the people,” she asserted, stressing her belief that the population will make their preferences known through democratic processes.

The President also called on the international community to remain vigilant and supportive, noting the essential role of global observers in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. She urged participants of the conference to closely monitor developments and to continue advocating for democratic principles.

Zurabishvili underlined that the upcoming elections are a pivotal moment for Georgia, crucial not only for its domestic stability but also for its future within Europe. She reaffirmed her commitment to working with pro-European parties to advance the Georgian Charter—a framework designed to align Georgia more closely with EU standards and to renew negotiations for membership. The charter, she said, is key to opening doors for Georgia and should be supported by both the Georgian populace and international partners.

Looking ahead, the President expressed optimism about Georgia’s future, despite current challenges. She emphasized the importance of returning to a stable democratic path and maintaining a robust partnership with Europe and the United States.

“We all know that the future of the free world depends very much on what happens in Ukraine,” she noted, highlighting the broader geopolitical context in which Georgia’s EU aspirations are situated.