Georgian President: Ruling party’s pro-European narrative resembles Soviet rhetoric

President Salome Zourabichvili has criticized ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party, stating that the ruling party’s claims of steering the country toward the European Union are misleading and reminiscent of Soviet-era rhetoric. In an interview with Nodar Meladze on TV Pirveli, she emphasized that their assertions are far from the truth.

“What we’re hearing now, as the elections approach, is that Georgian Dream and the government are supposedly moving toward Europe, but this is a lie. It’s the same kind of lie we heard when the Soviet Union claimed to be democratic. How can they take the country into the EU when European leaders are telling us that with these laws, these approaches, and the way they insult partners, it’s impossible? The window of opportunity is open for the Georgian people, who need to make their voice heard in the elections, not just in the streets,” Zourabichvili remarked, referring to the upcpming October 26 elections.

She also highlighted that the country’s path toward EU membership is not permanently blocked. Georgia can return to the European course swiftly, but only if the people make it clear at the polls.

Addressing the concerns of public sector employees, Zourabichvili urged them not to fear for their future, stressing that the current system of unquestioning loyalty to one political party must end.

“The public sector needs to understand that we are moving toward building a normal state. It cannot be dependent on a single party. If we hadn’t had a strong public sector, we wouldn’t have achieved the Association Agreement with the EU. The administration was doing its job then, and largely still is. This is what builds a state. Without a functioning public sector, political parties can’t accomplish anything. Along with one-party rule, the practice of blindly following party directives must come to an end,” she said.