Georgian President denounces Constitutional Court ruling, citing collapse of democratic institutions

President Salome Zourabichvili sharply criticized Georgia’s Constitutional Court following its decision to dismiss lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the October 26, 2024, elections. The ruling, issued by the Court’s Plenum and deemed final, rejected the constitutional claims filed by Zourabichvili and 30 opposition lawmakers.

In a statement made on Tuesday, President Zourabichvili declared that the Court’s decision marked the demise of constitutional governance and further eroded the country’s democratic framework.

“Today, the Constitutional Court has rendered a verdict not only against itself but against the entire nation and its institutions,” Zourabichvili stated. “The opportunity to return to constitutional order has been squandered.”

She further criticized Georgia’s judiciary, parliament, and government, asserting that no independent institutions remain in the country, which she described as being under the control of a single-party regime.

Acknowledging her own decision to file the constitutional challenge despite the judiciary’s state, Zourabichvili expressed regret, noting her hope that the Court might seize the opportunity to act in the nation’s interest.

“I had a glimmer of hope that when faced with the chance to make a historic decision, at least three judges would stand for the truth and the future of our country. I was wrong,” she admitted.

The President accused Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, of orchestrating a violent regime that has taken control of all state institutions.

“The Constitution has been stabbed and torn apart. The only constitutional institution left standing is the presidency—me—and it is a heavy responsibility,” Zourabichvili declared.

She called for a pathway toward new elections, emphasizing the need for a legitimate government chosen by the people.

The Constitutional Court dismissed the lawsuits filed by Zourabichvili and opposition lawmakers, which had contested the October 26 elections as unconstitutional. The Plenum’s decision is final and non-appealable, further solidifying the controversial election results that have sparked widespread criticism and protests.