Georgian leader accuses ruling party of pushing country towards Russian influence

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has voiced concerns that the country is effectively under the control of a "Russian government."

She has also accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of manipulating the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for October 26.

In comments reported by the Financial Times, Zourabichvili criticized the ruling party, which has held power since 2012, for running a campaign characterized by propaganda, polarization, and intimidation tactics reminiscent of those used in Russia, Caliber.Az reports.

She further alleged that the Georgian Dream party has pressured civil servants to support its candidacy, targeted opposition activists, threatened journalists, and obstructed voting for citizens living abroad.

"This election is not just ordinary; it represents a choice between a European future and a Russian past," the president emphasized.

Zourabichvili stands in opposition to the Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia party, which previously attempted to impeach her following her unauthorized trips abroad where she made critical comments about the government. Tensions escalated between her and the ruling party amid the controversy surrounding the adoption of the law on foreign agents, which she condemned.

She contended that the actions of the ruling party were counterproductive to Georgia's Euro-Atlantic ambitions. In response, Georgian Dream MPs have repeatedly accused her of acting in the West's interests, supporting radical opposition, and being a "foreign agent" within the country.

Earlier, Zourabichvili engaged in discussions with the opposition regarding potential candidates for the position of "technical prime minister."

By Tamilla Hasanova