Georgia’s fifth President: opposition coordination marks strength in face of Gov’t repression

Georgia’s fifth President, Salome Zourabichvili, on Tuesday claimed that recent opposition coordination signaled a “growing strength” among political forces, despite “ongoing government repression.”

Speaking at a briefing following a meeting with opposition representatives, Zourabichvili emphasized that the protest which took place on Monday had revitalized hopes within the opposition and demonstrated that the government’s efforts to suppress dissent had failed.
“Yesterday’s protest gives us great hope and confirms that the government’s repressive policy has not been able to, and cannot, disperse it,” said Zourabichvili. “The protest exists, and when it is given the opportunity, it will appear even stronger. It is permanent, and nothing and no one can scare its participants or the wider society.”

Zourabichvili also confirmed that today marked the first day of a formalized coordination effort among opposition parties, with the goal of aligning their positions on key national issues. While the coordination aimed for unity, she acknowledged that some parties may still present divergent views on certain matters.

“Today, coordination took place according to the rules announced yesterday. We are working to reconcile our positions on the main challenges facing the country. That said, individual parties may present their positions differently on certain issues,” Zourabichvili explained.

She also highlighted what she described as a new phase of political persecution, noting that an “attack” on the political spectrum was underway. She emphasized that despite the government’s repressive actions, opposition groups remained resolute in their efforts.
“Political persecution is moving to a new stage,” Zourabichvili warned. “Even with the government’s decisions today [to adopt laws restricting media, civil sector and revive treason laws], they will not be able to intimidate or weaken the political spectrum.”
Zourabichvili also pointed to an upcoming session of the Council of Europe on April 7, where a resolution addressing political prisoners in Georgia is expected to be discussed. The resolution, she said, was likely to address not only political prisoners detained during ongoing pro-European protests sparked by the government’s decision late last year to halt the country’s EU integration until 2028, but also new laws seen as attempts to stifle non-governmental organizations and civil society.

“We are actively working to find ways to counter these efforts. The adoption of new repressive laws does not signify the government’s strength. On the contrary, the protest is growing stronger as more people understand what this government is doing,” Zourabichvili stated.

Looking ahead, Zoirabichvili reaffirmed the opposition’s commitment to a “peaceful path” toward achieving free and fair elections and securing the release of political prisoners. “We will not choose other paths that may be proposed. This is our united position: we are here to be courageous, united, and to confront the repressive actions of this regime,” she concluded.