Zourabichvili Warns of Limited Paths for Change in Georgia
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, September 19, 2025
The 5th President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili said the country faces only two possible avenues for political change: elections or protests leading up to them. In an interview with Foreign Policy, she stressed that resistance against the ruling authorities will be necessary and called for stronger international support.
"There are only two scenarios that we know: elections and protests before you get to the elections," Zourabichvili explained. "Another alternative is some form of rebellion, although this is not part of the Georgian tradition. But there must be some kind of resistance, and the resistance must be better supported from the outside."
She urged Western partners to pay closer attention to developments in Georgia, warning that Russia is exerting growing influence through non-military means. "We are fighting Russia, which is fighting Georgia through hybrid means and soft power," she said. "I think our European and American partners should be worried about the fact that Russia is trying to see what it can achieve through soft power."
Asked what she expects from Washington, Zourabichvili expressed frustration with the current approach. "The problem is that it is too late," she said, noting that while sanctions can be effective in Georgia's small political landscape, they have not been applied in a way that deters the ruling elite. "Sanctions cannot be just one tool, and if you talk about it, then you have to use it, otherwise it becomes an empty threat."
She also criticized what she sees as a lack of strong political messaging from the West. "There is a lack of statements that would say that this is unacceptable. This is a government that is moving towards Russia," she argued.
According to Zourabichvili, Georgia's drift toward Moscow carries wider consequences. "Georgia's instability and return to Russia's sphere means that this poses a threat to Azerbaijan, Armenia, transit zones, and the role of the Caucasus in general," she warned. "My message to congressmen is that Georgia needs attention, because America's interests in the region are at stake. America and Europe are giving Georgia to Russia without even trying to do anything."
