**Georgian President Appeals for EU Support**
President Salome Zurabishvili of Georgia recently gave an interview to TVP World, a Polish public television broadcaster. She discussed the current situation in her country, calling on the European Union for increased support.
**EU Must Act**
Zurabishvili acknowledged the EU’s moral and political support for Georgia, but stressed that more decisive action is needed. She warned that the situation in Georgia goes beyond “democratic backsliding,” describing it as “the imposition of a Russian model” on a country once a democratic leader.
**Russia’s Electoral War**
The President accused Russia of using elections as a tool to consolidate its proxies, and urged the EU to understand and confront this “electoral war” strategy. She stated that the Georgian population remains united, with 80% still supporting European integration.
**Criticism of Ruling Party**
Zurabishvili criticized the ruling party for intimidating and controlling large parts of the population and institutions. She described recent elections as being “very much stolen,” and called for a more robust EU response to address manipulation of Georgia’s democratic processes.
**EU Must Not Legitimize Georgian Dream**
The President also warned that some EU representatives are legitimizing the Georgian Dream government despite established electoral fraud. She mentioned the visit of the Hungarian Prime Minister, which was agreed upon between the ruling party and the leadership of Hungary.
**No Plans to Leave**
Zurabishvili emphasized her commitment to staying in Georgia, despite the risks. She dismissed comparisons to exiled opposition leaders like Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, stating that she needs to be supported now in her country, together with her population.
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