Georgian President: ”Today Parliament no longer exists”

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili delivered a sharp critique of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party and the newly convened Parliament in a recent video address. She accused the government, particularly Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, of trampling constitutional principles, saying ”the Parliament no longer exists.”

“I pity Kobakhidze, the author of this Constitution, who seemingly failed to anticipate this situation. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have had to trample it underfoot,” Zourabichvili stated, referencing what she characterized as unconstitutional actions by the Parliament.

The President expressed dismay over the legitimacy of the Parliament, calling it the result of “rigged elections,” and accused its members of being powerless.

“I pity all those parliamentarians who sat today with frozen expressions, knowing they are the product of rigged elections. They know they will be confined to that chamber for a few months or weeks, without any real authority,” she added.

Zourabichvili stressed the urgent need for fresh elections conducted in a free and fair manner, outside the control of the current Central Election Commission, which she criticized as biased under its chair, Giorgi Kalandarishvili.

Calling on Georgia’s youth to step forward, the President declared, “Your time has come. A new generation and a new political force must emerge.” She urged the public to prepare for political reform and the next electoral cycle.

The President also announced plans to visit Strasbourg, promising transparency about the purpose and outcomes of her trip. Her remarks come amid widespread public dissatisfaction and opposition boycotts of the 11th Parliament, with protesters demanding greater accountability and new elections.