Outgoing Georgian President Salomé Zourabichvili has taken a bold stance by joining thousands of protesters in Tbilisi, the nation’s capital, on Saturday. This demonstration occurred exactly one month after the eruption of opposition-led protests against the government. Despite the end of her term, Zourabichvili has announced her refusal to step down on Monday when Mikheil Kavelashvili, the newly elected president, is set to assume office.
Zourabichvili has openly rejected the results of the October legislative elections, alleging significant interference from Russian forces. She has called for fresh elections, arguing that the integrity of the electoral process was compromised. Her assertions have added to the growing unrest in the country, where many share concerns about external influences on the nation’s democratic processes.
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which observed the election, has also expressed doubts about the legitimacy of the results. Their concerns have bolstered Zourabichvili’s claims, fueling the momentum of the protests. Demonstrators have gathered in large numbers, demanding transparency and fairness in governance.
As the protests continue, Zourabichvili has emerged as a symbolic figure for those opposing the current political climate. Her participation in the rallies has highlighted her determination to challenge the status quo and advocate for what she perceives as the will of the people. The situation remains tense as the nation awaits the scheduled transition of power on Monday, with Zourabichvili’s defiance adding another layer of complexity to Georgia’s political landscape.