Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream, has renewed its bid to impeach President Salomé Zurabishvili, who has been a vocal advocate for the country's Western alignment. This move comes ahead of the crucial parliamentary elections scheduled for October 26. Zurabishvili has been at odds with the ruling party, which has been accused of democratic backsliding and derailing Georgia's EU membership path.
*Reasons for Impeachment*
The ruling party alleges that Zurabishvili violated the law by making official visits to Brussels, France, and Germany without the prime minister's consent ¹. They also accuse her of lobbying for EU membership without permission. However, Zurabishvili's term is set to expire this year, and her removal through impeachment would only reduce her term by a maximum of one month.
*Existential Choice for Georgia*
Zurabishvili has framed the upcoming elections as an "existential" choice between Europe and a return to Georgia's past under Moscow control ¹. She has been working to unite opposition forces against Georgian Dream, which seeks to win a super-majority to constitutionally ban pro-Western opposition parties.
*Opposition Gains Momentum*
Recent opinion polls suggest that four leading opposition alliances are poised to garner enough votes to form a coalition government ¹. This could potentially block Georgian Dream's attempts to dominate the political landscape.
*Georgia's Drift Away from the EU*
The EU has expressed concerns that Georgia is drifting away from its stated ambition of joining the 27-member bloc ¹. Georgian Dream's anti-Western and anti-liberal positions have intensified over the past two years, sparking worries about the country's democratic future.
The impeachment bid is seen as a strategic move by Georgian Dream to weaken Zurabishvili's influence ahead of the elections. However, the outcome remains uncertain, and the international community is watching closely as Georgia navigates this critical juncture.
*Opposition Gains Momentum*
Recent opinion polls suggest that four leading opposition alliances are poised to garner enough votes to form a coalition government ¹. This could potentially block Georgian Dream's attempts to dominate the political landscape.
*Georgia's Drift Away from the EU*
The EU has expressed concerns that Georgia is drifting away from its stated ambition of joining the 27-member bloc ¹. Georgian Dream's anti-Western and anti-liberal positions have intensified over the past two years, sparking worries about the country's democratic future.
The impeachment bid is seen as a strategic move by Georgian Dream to weaken Zurabishvili's influence ahead of the elections. However, the outcome remains uncertain, and the international community is watching closely as Georgia navigates this critical juncture
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