Zurabishvili leaves the presidential residence

According to Ukrinform, Echo of the Caucasus reported her statement.

“Six years ago I took an oath to the Constitution, but above all to loyalty to the country and to you. That’s why I’m here today, and that loyalty will not change under any circumstances – regardless of whether I’m in the “I’ll go here with you and stay with you.” I take with me the legitimacy, the flag and your trust,” Zourabichvili said in a speech to citizens gathered near the Orbeliani Palace.

She called the inauguration of new President Mikheil Kavelashvili a “parody” and called on citizens and opposition political forces to prepare for early parliamentary elections.

“I will work together with everyone involved in this process to create the conditions for the elections so that very soon, in a few days, we can prepare the document along with the election application,” she explained.

After her speech, Zurabishvili went to meet with supporters and opposition citizens who had gathered near the presidential residence.

Meanwhile, the inauguration ceremony of Kavelashvili, Georgia’s new president, took place in the parliament building. Kavelashvili is not recognized by Zurabishvili, the opposition and a significant part of the country’s international partners.

Kavelashvili took the presidential oath as required by Georgia’s constitution. He then addressed those present. The ceremony, attended by Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder and honorary leader of the Georgian Dream party, lasted about half an hour.

As Ukrinform reported, Prime Minister Iraqi Kobakhidze announced on November 28 that Georgia was breaking off negotiations to join the EU and rejecting EU financial aid until 2028.

This stance sparked public outrage and led to mass protests in Tbilisi and other cities. Special police units dispersed the demonstrators with water cannons and tear gas, and dozens of people, including activists and journalists, were arrested and beaten by the police.

The US imposed sanctions on 20 Georgian officials, including ministers and members of parliament, for undermining democracy. Some European countries, including Ukraine, also introduced restrictive measures against certain Georgian politicians.

On December 14, Georgia’s sixth president was elected. Mikheil Kavelashvili, a candidate from the ruling Georgian Dream party, was the only candidate and received 224 out of 225 votes from the electors present. The opposition did not take part in the process.

Prime Minister Kobakhidze threatened to have Zurabishvili imprisoned if she did not leave the residence after her successor’s inauguration on December 29.