Zourabichvili Accuses Government of Trying to Cut Diaspora Out of Political Life
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, November 24, 2025
Georgia's fifth president Salome Zourabichvili said the government is attempting to separate Georgian citizens living abroad from the country's political processes, a move she argued contradicts the Constitution. She made the comments during a live Facebook broadcast while responding to questions about proposed changes to the Election Code.
Zourabichvili said it is unacceptable for the state to rely heavily on remittances sent by emigrants while restricting what she described as their fundamental political rights. "This is one of the greatest crimes a regime can commit in order to harm the country, because it is an attempt to sever the diaspora. The diaspora is an inseparable part of our country and of our country's future. Denying them the right to vote is an attempt to prevent them from participating in Georgia's political decisions and to cut ties with them, something that goes against our Constitution," she said.
She added that it is morally wrong for the government to benefit from citizens abroad while limiting their ability to take part in elections. "It is not acceptable that our country depends on our citizens abroad, even because of their remittances, and at the same time we restrict their rights. This is immoral and it damages the country's future. We cannot afford to lose a single Georgian," Zourabichvili stated.
According to her, Georgian embassies and consulates have prioritized political directives from the ruling Georgian Dream party instead of protecting the interests of citizens. "The state must serve its citizens and protect their rights. Today, embassies are completely subordinate to one party; ambassadors and staff appointed by that one party fulfill the demands of that one party. That is why helping our citizens is a secondary concern for them. The embassies in Europe and America do not serve the requirements of our Constitution; they serve the demands of this regime, which is heading toward isolation and the cancellation of our European future," she said.
Zourabichvili noted that public patience is wearing thin and that large demonstrations are expected soon, both in Georgia and abroad. "I believe everyone will raise their voice; it is not the case that everyone will stay silent. We are already seeing lively protests, and we will also see protests on November 28. As far as I know, November 28 will take place not only in Georgia but in many capitals around the world," she said.
