Georgia’s fifth President calls for unity to ‘defend independence’

Georgia’s fifth President, Salome Zourabichvili, on Tuesday urged citizens to gather in defense of the country’s independence on two symbolic dates in May.

“Today, Georgia's independence must be saved. We will save the country, our independence. For this, we must all be together - first on May 9, then on May 26,” she said, 

May 9, celebrated as Europe Day, is seen by many in Georgia as a symbol of the country’s aspiration toward closer integration with the European Union. Zourabichvili emphasized its significance in countering what she described as increasing “Russification” of the country. “On May 9, we must come out and confront Europe with Russification,” she said.

Zourabichvili also announced that her civic platform had decided to take the lead in organizing the May 26 events, marking Georgia’s Independence Day.

She further criticized recent rhetoric from members of the ruling government, who she said had accused the United States of pursuing aggressive foreign policy objectives in the region. “It is unacceptable that Georgian officials accuse America of being a ‘war party’ and of interfering in foreign policy. This is our response, as a friend,” she said. “We will return this friendship when this regime changes.”

Zourabichvili also pledged to restore Georgia’s strategic partnership with the United States, including ambitions for visa liberalization and a free trade agreement, both of which have faced setbacks amid deteriorating diplomatic relations.

In closing, Zourabichvili reiterated the symbolic importance of May 26. “This is a symbol of independence, and today, independence in Georgia must be saved. We will save the country, our independence - together.”