The article discusses the resignation of Salome Zourabichvili, the President of Georgia, and its implications for the ongoing protests against the government. The author argues that her continued presence would have heightened tensions, but might not have served long-term benefits for the movement.
Zourabichvili had previously called on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the Georgian Dream party, to meet and schedule new elections, arguing that they were inevitable – either through regime compromise or collapse. However, her resignation has led to a war of attrition between the protesters and the government.
The author suggests that Georgians focus on regime collapse and need to see that it is possible for society to shift towards actively toppling the government. They propose that Georgians should persist in dissenting against the business sector at home and that international partners can support them by not recognizing the current regime and refusing to engage with them.
The article also highlights Zourabichvili’s plans for the future, including developing detailed specifications for conducting new elections, working with stakeholders on this issue, strengthening independent media, bolstering foundations that support those affected, and ensuring lawyers stand ready to defend people.
Overall, the author argues that several factors work in Georgians’ favor, including widespread anti-Kremlin nationalism, the sense of reclaiming the nation’s pre-colonial character, the emergence of a new nation – a civic, responsible, truly European Georgia, and the fact that there remain no more concessions to make.
The article concludes by noting that the resignation of Zourabichvili marks a significant moment in Georgian politics and that her exit has created an opportunity for Georgians to pursue diplomacy as their legitimate leader.