**Georgia’s President Speaks Out Against Election Fraud**
President Salome Zurabishvili addressed a joint session of the Italian Senate’s Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee and the European Affairs Committee on December 20. She gave a detailed overview of the current situation in Georgia, discussing rigged elections, institutional complicity, and the Georgian people’s aspirations for EU membership.
**Election Fraud Condemned**
Zurabishvili condemned the October 26 elections as “pre-planned” and organized in a “Russian-style” manner. She pointed to widespread fraud and institutional complicity, highlighting the failure of the judiciary to hold those responsible accountable. The President criticized the Constitutional Court for rejecting election-related appeals and the ruling party’s decision to convene the first session of parliament, calling it “unconstitutional”.
Zurabishvili expressed concern about Russia’s growing influence in the region. She argued that the Georgian election fraud was part of a ‘hybrid war‘ strategy, with Moscow testing an alternative approach to its failed objective in Ukraine. The President highlighted the threat posed by Russian-style propaganda around the elections and described herself as the “last independent institution” in the country.
**A Threat to Democracy**
The President criticized the ruling party for pushing Georgia towards the “Russian orbit”. She noted that all institutions and regulatory commissions were controlled by individuals appointed by the ruling party. Zurabishvili also recalled recent laws passed restricting freedom of expression and assembly, and called the recent “election” of the new president a “parody”.
**International Community Urged to Act**
Zurabishvili urged the international community to be vigilant about Russia’s growing influence in the region. She noted that there is a whole new reorganization of the geopolitical map, with Russia trying to interfere with it. The President stressed the need for collective action to counter this threat and protect democracy.
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