Georgian PM calls President “puppet of collective UNM” opposition

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Wednesday described President Salome Zourabichvili as a “small screw” and a “puppet of the collective United National Movement opposition”, claiming she had “no more functions or duties” left in her role.

In an interview with Imedi TV, Kobakhidze referenced a Constitutional Court ruling from last year, which led to an impeachment vote against Zourabichvili, asserting she only remained in office due to opposition support.

Her legitimacy is zero following these developments”, the PM stressed. 

Reflecting on the 2018 Presidential elections, Kobakhidze noted that Zourabichvili won in the second round, despite her being “unacceptable to the public,” and highlighted that her victory came from promises to prevent the return of the UNM to power.

When your only source of legitimacy comes from the UNM, it means you have none. Zourabichvili entered office with completely different promises but is now seeking legitimacy from that very force, proving her lack of authority. There is no personal, political, or electoral legitimacy left”, Kobakhidze said, adding that Zourabichvili’s sixth year in office was coming to a close.

When asked about Zourabichvili potentially deeming the October 26 elections illegitimate, Kobakhidze highlighted the outcome as “guaranteed.” He added, “this will be her final task, and she will not succeed.”