Former President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, issued a stark warning about the current political climate, sharply criticizing those focusing on local election campaigns amid what she describes as a national crisis.

“I cannot help but address those parties engaged in some kind of local election campaign,” Zourabichvili stated. “Where are we? Where is the country? How can anyone believe that these elections will change something or bring real achievements?”

She stressed that the central challenge today is safeguarding Georgia’s future, accusing the current government of steering the country rapidly toward a Russian-style authoritarian regime.

“What took time in Russia is developing here even faster,” she warned. “This summer we are witnessing attacks on NGOs, and after nine months of imprisonment, we are already seeing the final processes unfold—again with baseless and absurd accusations. Tolerating this means handing Georgia over to Russia, and I do not believe our country is ready to surrender.”

Zourabichvili pointed to a broader pattern of political repression, noting that the targets have shifted over time—from political leaders to activists, and now to non-governmental organizations. Several NGOs recently had their bank accounts frozen as part of an investigation by the Prosecutor’s Office.

She criticized the lack of strong international backing and rejected the idea of a "war party," insisting instead that "there is only Georgia, fighting for survival against Russia."

“This is not the time for election campaigns,” she concluded. “The real mission is saving Georgia’s future.”