Georgian President allegedly set to attend Munich Security Conference without Gov’t approval

Salome Zourabichvili, the President of Georgia, who faced an impeachment vote last year for her unauthorized European Union trip, is reportedly scheduled to attend the forthcoming Munich Security Conference this month without the Government’s consent.

Zourabichvili’s office confirmed this week she would attend the event scheduled between 16-18 February. However, the Government, responsible for implementing the country’s foreign policy, stated that Zourabichvili had not sought approval for her attendance.

The ruling Georgian Dream party fell short of the vote in the state legislature to dismiss Zourabichvili last year, amidst controversies between the President and the Government over the country’s EU integration and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Both parties have accused each other of actions hindering Tbilisi’s EU integration. Zourabichvili also alleged the Georgian Dream authorities were pursuing an “anti-Western stance” concerning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Georgia’s Foreign Minister, Ilia Darchiashvili, is expected to attend the MSC this year as the newly appointed Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, unveiled his plans last week to visit Brussels on his first official trip.Established in the fall of 1963, the MSC celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. World leaders convene annually to engage in discussions on the most critical issues in international security.