PRESIDENT SALOME ZOURABICHVILI ON GEORGIAN DEMOCRACY AND RUSSIAN INFLUENCE - 2024 was a turbulent year for Georgia. The country’s parliamentary elections in October were marred by serious internationally recognized voting irregularities. With support from Moscow, Georgian Dream has used this power to crack down on civil society, free media, and political opposition. The party has also taken steps to further distance the country from its Euro-Atlantic path, contrary to the will of the majority of Georgian citizens to join the European Union and NATO. Most recently, this culminated a decision by Georgian Dream chairman Irakli Kobakhidze (the current occupant of the role of prime minister) to suspend negotiations to join the European Union until 2028.

In response, hundreds of thousands of Georgian citizens took to the streets in Tbilisi and across the country to demonstrate against Georgian Dream’s aggressive attempts at repression and for a Euro-Atlantic future. Zourabichvili played a vital role in backing the pro-democracy protests and is considered by protestors as the rightful president of Georgia until free and fair elections are held.

Zourabichvili, in conversation with Ia Meurmishvili, chief international correspondent at the Cipher Brief, discuss what’s next in Georgia’s fight for democracy. Daniel Fried, Weiser family distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council, joins to provide opening remarks.

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 01/21/2025