PM slams President Zourabichvili’s “conduct”, cites constitutional violations, symbolic impeachment

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday accused President Salome Zourabichvili of breaching constitutional norms by participating in a Georgia Chooses EU march the previous day, arguing her actions undermined her mandated above-party status.

Speaking to journalists, Kobakhidze claimed the President’s recent conduct demonstrated a “disregard” for the constitution.

Kobakhidze also addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding statements from the EU Embassy, suggesting that Zourabichvili’s “undiplomatic remarks” had created an awkward situation for the EU Ambassador and the embassy at large.

The Prime Minister went on to discuss the symbolic nature of impeachment proceedings against the President for her unauthorized Europe trip, whose term is set to expire at the end of December.

He acknowledged that the process would only cut short Zourabichvili’s term by approximately one month but stressed that it was still important to formally address what he characterized as constitutional violations. “Impeachment has a symbolic meaning, but it is crucial that someone who violates the constitution and betrays the position cannot simply leave office,” Kobakhidze said.

He confirmed that discussions about a new presidential candidate would commence immediately after the upcoming parliamentary elections, clarifying that his party had deliberately refrained from involving the presidency in the election campaign. He assured that once the elections concluded, the ruling team would present its candidate to the public.