**Georgian President Slams PM for Misleading Public on European Path**
In a scathing rebuke, Georgia‘s fifth President, Salome Zurabishvili, has accused the Prime Minister of trying to deceive parts of society that support the “Georgian Dream” coalition. According to her, the Prime Minister is spreading lies by claiming that he too is working towards a European path for the country.
The President’s statement comes as Georgia faces international criticism over its democratic backsliding and human rights record under the current government. Zurabishvili emphasized that the country’s European aspirations depend on returning to a democratic course, releasing political prisoners, and holding fair elections. “No one can lead the country on the European path in any other way – that is a lie,” she said.
**Georgia Left Isolated and Vulnerable**
The President also highlighted the economic and political isolation that Georgia has suffered under the current government. She noted that true security only exists through international partnerships, which are now being put to the test. “We are left one-on-one with our historic enemy, the ‘Rodionovs,’ vulnerable,” Zurabishvili stated.
**Reaching Out to Civil Society**
In a move aimed at rallying support from civil society and public servants, President Zurabishvili announced that her office is beginning to engage with various segments of the population. This includes public servants who have been dismissed en masse in recent months. The President promised to inform citizens when meetings with different groups will be held.
**Commentary**
The Prime Minister’s attempts to deceive parts of society about his commitment to a European path are a desperate move to cling to power. By contrast, President Zurabishvili’s commitment to democratic values and international cooperation offers a beacon of hope for those seeking change in Georgia.
As the country navigates this uncertain period, it remains to be seen how effective President Zurabishvili’s outreach efforts will be in mobilizing support from civil society and public servants. One thing is certain, however: the stakes are high, and the future of Georgia’s European aspirations hangs precariously in the balance.
**Analysis**
The Prime Minister’s actions have left Georgia isolated on the international stage, with its democratic backsliding and human rights record under scrutiny by major powers. President Zurabishvili’s statements reflect a growing awareness that true security and prosperity can only be achieved through international cooperation and democratic values.
As the situation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor how effectively the President can mobilize support from civil society and public servants to push back against the current government’s authoritarian tendencies. The fate of Georgia’s European aspirations, as well as its very future as a democratic and prosperous nation, hangs in the balance.