Zourabichvili: Georgian Dream in 'Paranoid State,' Signs of Regime's Final Stage
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Georgia's fifth president, Salome Zourabichvili, says the ruling Georgian Dream party is acting out of fear and showing signs of collapse.
Speaking at the Strategy Aghmashenebeli office on June 24, Zourabichvili told journalists the government's behavior reflects internal panic. "This state that they themselves are in today, which is a paranoid state, is classically an indicator of the final stage of such a regime," she said. "No one can say whether this final stage will end quickly or drag on."
She said recent crackdowns show that the system is beginning to turn on itself. "Some people are already being punished inside. We can imagine how this feels for those who've followed everything without question until now. Suddenly they realize: I could be next."
Zourabichvili also addressed the possibility that she herself could be summoned by the parliamentary investigative commission. "Would you rule it out?" she replied when asked.
"This regime is not well internally," she continued. "Persistent repression for no reason shows something deeper is wrong. These are moments of fluctuation and we have to endure. It's not easy, especially for young people. Politicians may be more prepared, but for ordinary protesters, it's harder."
She warned that the government is trying to provoke a violent response. "The government wants to turn this into an uprising. That's one of their goals. We have to keep the protest peaceful."
Zourabichvili said unity across the opposition is essential. "There are only two ways out: one, to continue protesting peacefully. And two, full unity of the opposition around one strategy."
She confirmed that an opposition strategy meeting would take place soon. "We'll meet today and figure it out. But one thing is clear - what's happening now is a sign of their weakening."
