The fifth president of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, addressed the French National Assembly during a colloquium dedicated to Georgia. Speaking to French lawmakers, she warned of the dismantling of democratic institutions in her country, escalating pressure on civil society and independent bodies, and the risk of opposition parties being outlawed.
According to Zurabishvili, the Georgian authorities are using rhetoric about “Russophobia” to stifle dissent, rewrite historical memory, and exert pressure on Georgian culture. As an example, she cited the cancellation of a concert by Kordz and its affiliated festival.
Zurabishvili also noted that Georgia is increasingly falling under Russian economic and energy influence. She stated that port operations, air traffic, and the expansion of the cryptocurrency sector raise concerns regarding the potential circumvention of international sanctions.
At the same time, the fifth president of Georgia emphasized that despite tightened legislation and heavier fines, civil society, independent media, prisoners of conscience, and individual judges continue their “principled struggle.”
“Georgia is a warning for Europe,” Salome Zurabishvili declared, underscoring the necessity of a decisive and timely political response from European nations, alongside diplomatic solidarity.
The event also covered attacks on democratic institutions and the role of culture in sustaining public resistance. Attendees were shown documentary footage of the protests and subsequent state crackdowns.
Zurabishvili stated that Georgia’s democratic future hinges on the unity of Georgian society and active support from international partners.