Fifth President Zourabichvili reveals Swedish PM's letter ‘condemning’ Georgia’s ‘democratic backslide’

Georgia’s fifth President, Salome Zourabichvili, has revealed a personal letter from Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson expressing “deep concern” over what he described as the erosion of democracy and human rights in Georgia.

Speaking at a press conference in Tbilisi on Tuesday, Zourabichvili said Sweden had decided to suspend all governmental assistance to the Georgian authorities, citing the restriction of civic space and a sharp departure from European values.

“The Swedish Prime Minister expresses grave concern about the current events in Georgia,” Zourabichvili said. “He underlines that the developments are not in line with either the values of the European Union or Georgia’s European path.”

Zourabichvili, a frequent critic of the ruling Georgian Dream party and its founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, renewed her demand for early parliamentary elections, warning that the “current regime is attempting to control the political process.”

“We will not accept elections held under Ivanishvili’s rules,” she declared. “We have prepared a comprehensive document outlining the conditions for truly free and fair elections.”

She also condemned what she described as a new wave of government repression, including increasing pressure on independent media. “What is happening now is pure Orwellian. These actions reflect not strength but the weakness of the regime.”

Despite the aid freeze, Zourabichvili noted that Sweden remained committed to supporting Georgian civil society and its democratic development. “Like other European nations, Sweden will continue to monitor the situation and stand with the Georgian people,” she said.

Zourabichvili concluded her remarks with an appeal for unity. “There is only one way out of this crisis – new parliamentary elections. No other vote can defeat a regime that stands against democracy, Europe, and our future.”