Zourabichvili: “No freedom, prosperity, or peace with Russia – Georgia’s path leads only to Europe”

Georgia’s fifth President, Salome Zourabichvili declared that the country’s future lies firmly with Europe, stressing that freedom, prosperity, and peace are unattainable in alliance with Russia.

“There is no freedom, no prosperity, no peace with Russia,” Zourabichvili said during a public address. “That is why our path leads only to Europe. This road is so clear that people come here on their own – no one summons them. They come, they stand, they fight, and this fight will end in victory.”

She emphasized that Georgia's return to the European path is inevitable and cannot be stopped.

“Empty words are not needed. What matters is what comes from the heart. Everyone knows that our freedom begins and ends with Europe,” she stated. “This is the day for all of us to say together: we will defend our freedom and independence. Independence is never granted forever. We must protect what our ancestors fought for and left us.”

Commenting on the planned mass protest scheduled for May 26, Georgia’s Independence Day, Zourabichvili called it a chance to send a strong message to the world.

“On May 26, we must show the world that Georgia will always stand by its choice. The threat to democracy is a threat to our independence. This is something we all feel deeply and will not allow. That is why the presence of the people here is strong, unbreakable, and determined.”