France condemns threats of imprisonment against Georgian President Zourabichvili

Benjamin Haddad, France's Minister-Delegate for European Affairs, expressed strong condemnation of threats made against Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, calling them "unacceptable" and "incompatible with any European perspective." 

He made the statement on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting France's firm stance against the actions of Georgia's ruling party, Caliber.Az reports referring to foreign media.

“The threats from Georgian Dream to imprison President Salome Zourabichvili are unacceptable and incompatible with any European perspective,” Haddad wrote. “The violence and intimidation against demonstrators must stop. France supports the European and democratic aspirations of the Georgian people.”

The comments come in the wake of remarks made by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who stated that outgoing President Zourabichvili had engaged in discussions with opposition representatives and civil society groups regarding the possibility of calling new parliamentary elections. Kobakhidze warned that if Zourabichvili attempts to call new elections outside the legal framework, she would face criminal charges. He further expressed hope that she would not be forcibly removed from her residence or detained after the expiration of her term on December 29.

Zourabichvili has refused to recognize the results of the October 2023 parliamentary elections, which she claims were marred by irregularities. Consequently, she does not acknowledge the election of her successor, Mikhail Kavelashvili, by the electoral college on December 14. Zourabichvili's refusal to step down has led to significant tension with the ruling Georgian Dream party and the country's opposition.

In more remarks, Prime Minister Kobakhidze compared President Zourabichvili to the title character from the classic American film Funny Girl, calling her a fitting match for the role. "It is impossible to make any serious comment here," Kobakhidze told reporters, dismissing her stance.

Zourabichvili’s current term ends on December 29, with Kavelashvili set to be inaugurated as the new president. However, the outgoing president has declared her intention to remain in office, continuing to challenge the legitimacy of the elections and the current government. The opposition, which has expressed its support for Zourabichvili, has vowed to protect her, even physically, should the authorities attempt to remove her from the presidential residence.

The opposition parties have also demanded the calling of early parliamentary elections, viewing the current government as illegitimate due to alleged election fraud. The situation has led to heightened tensions in Georgia, with ongoing protests and unrest.

By Tamilla Hasanova