TBILISI, Nov 30 – Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili has called the country’s parliament “illegitimate” and vowed to remain in office beyond her mandate, which ends in December. This follows the disputed October parliamentary elections, won by the ruling party, Georgian Dream, but contested by opposition and Western governments over alleged irregularities and Russian influence.
Zurabishvili stated on November 30 that an “illegitimate” parliament cannot elect her successor. “My mandate continues until a legitimately elected parliament is formed,” she declared.
Tensions have risen between Georgia and the U.S., with the Georgian government suspending EU talks and rejecting EU grants until 2028. The U.S. condemned the excessive use of force against protesters and criticized Georgian Dream for undermining democracy.
Protests erupted in Georgia, with police using tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators. Over 100 people were arrested during a pro-EU rally in Tbilisi. The European Parliament has called for new elections and sanctions against Georgian Dream officials.
Georgia’s EU accession bid faces setbacks, particularly after the controversial “foreign agents” law, which critics say targets independent media and civil society.
