At Romanian Congress, Zourabichvili calls for EU action to defend Georgia’s democracy

Former Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, speaking at the National Congress of the Romanian Liberal Alliance, delivered a powerful address emphasizing the critical state of Georgia’s democracy and calling on Romania and the European Union to bolster support for Georgian sovereignty.

Zourabichvili reflected on her surprise over the political climate in Georgia:

“I never imagined I would see pro‑European party leaders arrested simply because the current power wants it,” she said, adding:

“I never thought the media environment that flourished in Georgia would disappear one after another, forced, financially or otherwise constrained.”

She warned that Georgia now stands at a crossroads, describing the current government as one that came to power without a free or fair mandate and is now turning away from Europe in favor of Russian influence.

“When Georgia turns its back on Europe and our Western partners, only one remains – Russia,” Zourabichvili said.

During her speech, she drew parallels between Romania’s past challenges and Georgia’s present situation, noting:

“You, as an EU member, and Georgia, as a hopeful candidate, are at different stages—but face the same pressure: foreign interference and polarization, supported by outsiders, which threaten our democratic and European future.”

Zourabichvili praised Romania’s resilience in combatting disinformation, polarization, and election interference—and urged to share that experience with Georgia and its European allies:

“Romania did not give up... It gained strength, unity, civic responsibility, and stood firmly behind the values that make you not just Romanians, but Europeans.”

Highlighting the stakes of Georgia’s current political crisis, she noted:

“This is not just a political crisis… it is an existential crisis. It is a war—this is the other side of the coin.”

She explained that Russian influence seeks to weaken democracy by undermining institutions, manipulating elections, spreading disinformation, and using cyber tactics, leaving a vacuum that authoritarian regimes aim to fill. With 20% of Georgian territory still occupied by Russian forces, she argued:

“People cannot speak their own language or defend their rights. And let me say again clearly: peace without freedom is not peace—it is silence and repression.”

Zourabichvili concluded with a direct appeal to Romania and the EU:

“Your responsibility is to help others on this path—and we need you! We trust you because we are not only partners, we are Black Sea neighbors with a shared strategic interest.”

She emphasized that a strong democratic Georgia is vital for regional stability, economic resilience, and the defense of Europe’s eastern frontier against authoritarian influence.