Ex-Pres Zourabichvili slams Gov’t over diaspora rights: ‘state failed to create political, economic conditions’

Georgia’s fifth president, Salome Zourabichvili, on Monday slammed the Government for stripping Georgian emigrants of the opportunity to vote, saying the issue is about protecting their fundamental rights, not political preferences.

“I do not care whom emigrants vote for, this is about their rights. They must have the right to participate in elections”, Zourabichvili said.

She argued that more than 1–1.5 million Georgians living abroad represent a national resource, contributing to the state budget through remittances, yet the Government has failed to maintain meaningful ties with them.

“This Russian-style regime will go down in Georgia’s history as the most harmful and criminal. A large part of our diaspora left because the state failed to create the political or economic conditions needed to keep them here or bring them back. The state has an obligation to preserve their connection with the homeland”, she stated.

Zourabichvili compared Georgia’s approach to that of countries like Israel, which, she said, actively support and encourage their citizens abroad to return. In contrast, she argued, Georgia creates barriers and fosters a sense of estrangement.

The former President also recalled her role in initiating the dual citizenship law, highlighting its importance for a small country. She said she had fought for years to simplify the process, but instead, authorities made it more complicated.

“By complicating dual citizenship, the state is telling these people: stay abroad, send money home. This contradicts Article 5 of the Constitution, which obliges the state to support the preservation and development of ties with compatriots living abroad”, she said.

Zourabichvili condemned the recent decision announced by Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, which restricts voting rights for Georgians abroad.

“Today’s decision, which Papuashvili proudly presents - removing their voting rights - is shocking and unacceptable. These people keep Georgian culture and economy alive abroad”, she said.

“My heart aches for the Georgians who want to return home. And today, this regime is telling them: you are not my children”, Zourabichvili said.