Geno Petriashvili, Olympic champion and a member of the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) electoral list, took to Instagram to express his disapproval of a recent statement made by Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili.
Petriashvili called the statement “unacceptable and inappropriate,” distancing himself from the President’s political views. He also emphasized that he believes Georgia needs a “dignified president” and that he, along with his friends, shares this view. He also reaffirmed his love and dedication to his country and its people, considering it a great victory for all.
Before Petriashvili, another Olympic champion Lasha Bekauri openly distanced himself from the political views of the Georgian President, saying Georgia deserves a „more worthy, Orthodox president who upholds the interests of the Georgian people.”
The controversy arose after President Zurabishvili honored Olympic and Paralympic medalists during an award ceremony in Tbilisi on September 13. During her speech, Zurabishvili praised the athletes for receiving not only medals but also something far more valuable “the love of the people, which should not be exchanged for anything.” She urged them to cherish and protect this love.
No representatives from the Georgian government attended the ceremony.
