Georgian president contemplates pardoning Saakashvili

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili is reportedly considering a plan to pardon former President Mikheil Saakashvili.

This move comes as Zurabishvili continues to maintain a political alliance with Saakashvili and his United National Movement party, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

Shalva Papuashvili, Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, told reporters that Zourabichvili’s continued tenure as president is closely tied to Saakashvili's support.

"Salome Zourabichvili retains her position largely due to the backing of Mikheil Saakashvili and the National Movement," Papuashvili stated. He emphasized that the public sentiment, as well as decisions by the Constitutional Court and Parliament regarding her potential impeachment, are crucial factors in the consideration of a pardon.

Papuashvili pointed out that during the impeachment vote held in October 2023, which aimed to remove Zourabichvili due to alleged constitutional violations, the National Movement's opposition to her removal played a decisive role in her retaining office.