President Zourabichvili: “I’m not leaving—Georgia needs legitimate institution right now”

President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili affirmed her commitment to staying in office during a press briefing, emphasizing the need for legitimate leadership in the country during this critical moment.

“I’m here, and I will remain here because this country urgently needs a legitimate institution. If anyone in this country truly wants peace, if anyone wants to emerge from this crisis victorious in any form, there is only one path forward—elections,” Zourabichvili declared.

The President underscored that fair and just elections are essential for peace and for resuming any political processes. “Without fairness and justice in elections, there can be no peace or progress. I’m here for this. And just to clarify, I’m not leaving, and I won’t leave. If anyone’s asking, I will stay right here,” she said.

She also highlighted her role as a legitimate and elected representative of the Georgian people, acting as their voice both internationally and domestically. “I am your representative abroad, offering legitimacy, and your representative within the country as well,” Zourabichvili added.

She expressed confidence that the current situation cannot be resolved through repression or coercion. Instead, she stressed the importance of elections as the sole path to peace, fairness, and a brighter future for Georgia.

“When the time comes, and those who think repression can subdue society realize there’s no alternative to elections, I will be here to ensure we plan those elections in a way that restores peace, justice, and hope for the future of this country. That’s the only way forward, and we are all in this together—those standing in the streets and those here working for your future,” Zourabichvili concluded.