Georgia’s ex-president welcomes OSCE PA visit delay amid ongoing election protests

The planned visit of the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Pia Kauma, to Georgia has drawn criticism from the country’s fifth president, Salome Zourabichvili.

 Zourabichvili expressed concerns on social media platform X, stating that Kauma's visit could lead to deep disappointment among the people of Georgia, particularly those who have been protesting on the streets for over forty days against alleged election fraud, Caliber.Az reports.

Very wise decision of @OSCEPA President @PiaKauma to postpone the visit to Georgia. The Georgian people do appreciate your taking into account the concerns and hopes of Georgian democracy. We need OSCE more than ever! And new elections! https://t.co/LvDdazhflj

— Salome Zourabichvili (@Zourabichvili_S) January 6, 2025

“Very wise decision of OSCE PA President Pia Kauma to postpone the visit to Georgia. The Georgian people do appreciate your taking into account the concerns and hopes of Georgian democracy. We need OSCE more than ever! And new elections!” the post by Zourabichvili says.

President of OSCE PA Pia Kauma said on January 6 she is cancelling the visit to Georgia planned for January 8.

The visit announcement sparked harsh criticism from the opposition parties and President Salome Zourabichvili, who warned that the visit would be manipulated by the ruling Georgian Dream party for claiming the legitimacy of what the opposition and President Zourabichvili, as well as majority of Georgia’s Western partners view as illegitimate government and parliament. The opposition parties as well as civil society have allegedly rejected to meet with the delegation.

Pia Kauma wrote that “following discussions and after close consideration, I’ve decided to postpone visiting Georgia until a time that the OSCE PA engagement would be most effective.” She added: “We remain ready to listen to all voices and offer assistance in implementing OSCE/ODIHR election recommendations.”

Zourabishvili's comments highlight the ongoing unrest and dissatisfaction within the country regarding the political situation. The protests, which have been fueled by claims of election irregularities, have seen widespread participation and demand for justice.

The protests in Georgia gained momentum following a controversial statement by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on November 28, where he declared that negotiations with the European Union would not be pursued until at least 2028. This announcement, viewed by many as a step back from Georgia's European aspirations, has sparked widespread condemnation from opposition groups, civil society, and the international community, many of whom do not recognize Kobakhidze's legitimacy.

The demands of the protesters remain clear and focused: to hold new elections and to free those detained during previous protests. 

By Vafa Guliyeva