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Georgia's Ruling Party Reinitiates Impeachment of Pro-Western President Zourabichvili Over Unauthorized Foreign Visits Ahead of October 26 Elections

Oct 7, 2024, 08:07 AM

Georgia's ruling party, Georgian Dream, has initiated impeachment proceedings against President Salome Zourabichvili for the second time, citing unauthorized foreign visits without government approval. The move comes ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for October 26 and will be submitted before the elections in about two weeks, according to Speaker Shalva Papuashvili. President Zourabichvili, known for her pro-Western stance, revealed in an interview with Pirveli TV that she has already selected a prime minister candidate for the opposition coalition government. Tbilisi Mayor and Georgian Dream Secretary-General Kakha Kaladze criticized Western ambassadors for allegedly interfering in Georgia's election campaign, emphasizing the importance of the country's sovereignty and non-interference in internal affairs. The political tension has raised concerns over Georgia's potential drift toward Russia and possible restrictions on freedoms if the ruling party consolidates power.