Georgian PM says President “must remain non-partisan” under Constitution

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday said Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili “must remain non-partisan” under the country’s Constitution, and denounced her participation in a “partisan gathering” in the capital city of Tbilisi on Sunday as “another disregard“ for the Constitution, which he described as “characteristic of her behaviour”.

In his remarks, Kobakhidze alleged Zourabichvili’s “undiplomatic statement” at the event had created “discomfort” for the European Union Ambassador and the delegation, in reference to the President’s claim that the diplomat was supporting her Georgian Charter, which envisages involving opposition parties in a formation of technical Government and holding early elections.

The PM also claimed Zourabichvili had “no capacity to influence the outcome” of the elections.

Zourabichvili must be non-partisan under the Constitution. Her participation in a party gathering is yet another constitutional violation, which is typical of her. Fortunately, she lacks the resources to impact the election results”, he claimed. 

The radical opposition, the collective United National Movement, have ended their election campaign a week before the [vote]. If you divide 100,000 [people gathered at a rally in Tbilisi on Sunday] by approximately six or or seven [opposition parties], you’ll get the real figure”, he continued.

The Prime Minister further said “no Ambassador” had the “authority” to endorse early elections or a technical Government in the country, since it did not fall within their prerogative.

Kobakhidze also commented on the impeachment process against the President for her foreign visits in 2023 that were not agreed with the Government, stating while the impeachment held “symbolic” significance due to her current term ending soon, it was “important to label” Zourabichvili a “constitutional violator and traitor”.

Impeachment is largely symbolic, as Zourabichvili's term would have ended by December. However, it is crucial that a person who violates the Constitution and betrays the country does not leave the office without consequences. Through impeachment, she will be officially branded a traitor”, he noted. 

Kobakhidze added the parliamentary system of governance was limiting Zourabichvili’s power, and discussions about the next president would take place after the elections.