President Zourabichvili meets opposition leaders amid political crisis in Georgia

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili on Thursday hosted leaders of two opposition groups at the Atoneli residence to address the ongoing political turmoil.

The meeting, held at the opposition’s request, focused on strategies to counter the ruling Georgian Dream party’s policies and ensure opposition mandates are safeguarded.

Mamuka Khazaradze, leader of the Strong Georgia coalition, emphasized the need for unity, stating, “we need unity. This is very important. We also need to protect the mandates that our citizens gave to the opposition parties. The Georgian Dream continues its special operation, and we will oppose it with many plans.”

Elene Khoshtaria, a leader of the Coalition for Change, highlighted President Zourabichvili’s critical role in this period of crisis. “During this crisis, she has a historic mission and the ability to play this role both in the unification and unification of society inside the country and outside the country. What specific forms this will take is up to her to decide,” Khoshtaria said, underscoring the opposition’s goal of delegitimizing the government.

The meeting coincided with the Georgian Dream-dominated parliament expressing confidence in the new government. The motion was supported by 84 MPs, with no votes against, as opposition lawmakers boycotted the session, citing alleged fraud in the October 26 elections.