Georgia’s President Appeals for Europe’s Support Amid Tension with Government

Georgia’s President Salome Zourabichvili has called on European nations to stand by her as she clashes with her government over what she sees as a growing Russian influence in her country. Speaking on Monday, Zourabichvili, locked in a standoff with the ruling Georgian Dream party, highlighted the country’s struggles as it faces increasing pressure from Moscow.

Her comments came after several nights of protests and police confrontations, sparked by the government’s recent suspension of talks to join the European Union. Many critics view this move as evidence of Georgia shifting away from its pro-Western stance and towards Moscow, although the ruling party denies such claims.

“We want our European future back,” said Zourabichvili, emphasizing the national discontent. Despite holding a largely ceremonial role, she has actively engaged with protesters and criticized the government’s direction. “This is the rebellion of an entire nation,” she stated during an interview on France Inter radio.

Zourabichvili accused Russia of waging a “hybrid strategy” against Georgia, as well as against Moldova and NATO and EU member Romania. With tensions in Ukraine already escalating, she stressed that Europe’s moral and political support is crucial for Georgia’s future.

In response, Russian officials, including Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, have denied any interference in Georgia’s internal affairs, drawing parallels to Ukraine’s 2014 Maidan Revolution. Meanwhile, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev warned that Georgia risks following Ukraine’s path, which he called a dangerous descent into chaos.

The U.S. and the EU have raised concerns about Georgia’s democratic backsliding, with recent actions by the Georgian government, including a “foreign agents” law and restrictions on LGBT rights, further intensifying fears of a shift away from democratic values. The Georgian government, on the other hand, argues that such measures are necessary to protect the nation from foreign interference and avoid a war with Russia.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has accused opposition forces of orchestrating violence with the intent to destabilize the government and overthrow the constitutional order.