**President Zurabishvili Speaks of Georgia’s Deep Crisis**
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili held her first official briefing on January 9 in her new office. She spoke about the country’s “very deep” political crisis and stressed that there is no alternative to elections.
Zurabishvili said that the state built after regaining independence is on the verge of collapse. She blamed the ruling party for capturing the state, betraying the Constitution, and reversing Georgia’s foreign policy. The president noted that independent institutions like the judiciary, parliament, and government are no longer functioning and are controlled by one party and one person.
Zurabishvili emphasized that no one can rule without the support of the people. She reiterated that elections are the only way out of the crisis. Georgia’s Western partners are standing by the Georgian people and have refused to recognize the October elections as legitimate, according to the president.
The president confirmed that she will attend the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20 at the invitation of Congressman Joe Wilson. She plans to hold high-level meetings in Washington.
Zurabishvili suggested two possible scenarios for developments in the country: either the ruling party recognizes the existing reality and organizes new elections, or it waits until the government collapses completely.
The president said she will meet with people not only in the capital but also in the regions. She declined to comment on whether she would form her own political party if new elections were called.
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