According to Georgia’s fifth president, Salome Zurabishvili, the authorities are trying to detach Georgians living abroad from the country’s political processes, which contradicts the Constitution.

She made these remarks while answering citizens’ questions during a live broadcast on Facebook, commenting on the changes envisaged in the draft Election Code.

In Zurabishvili's assessment, it is unacceptable that the country is significantly strengthened by the remittances sent by citizens living abroad, yet at the same time the government restricts their fundamental political rights.

“This is one of the greatest crimes a regime can commit in order to harm the country, because it is an attempt to sever the diaspora. The diaspora is an inseparable part of our country and of our country’s future. Denying them the right to vote is an attempt to prevent them from participating in Georgia’s political decisions and to cut ties with them – something that goes against our Constitution.

It is not acceptable that our country depends on our citizens abroad – even because of their remittances – and at the same time we restrict their rights. This is immoral and it damages the country’s future. We cannot afford to lose a single Georgian,” Salome Zurabishvili declared.

According to her, instead of protecting citizens’ interests, embassies and consulates are oriented toward fulfilling the political tasks of the “Georgian Dream” party.

“The state must serve its citizens and protect their rights. Today, embassies are completely subordinate to one party; ambassadors and staff appointed by that one party fulfill the demands of that one party. That is why helping our citizens is a secondary concern for them. The embassies in Europe and America do not serve the requirements of our Constitution; they serve the demands of this regime, which is heading toward isolation and the cancellation of our European future,” Zurabishvili states.

She says society no longer intends to remain silent, and in the coming days large-scale protests will be held both in Tbilisi and in the capitals of various countries.

“I believe everyone will raise their voice; it is not the case that everyone will stay silent. We are already seeing lively protests, and we will also see protests on November 28. As far as I know, November 28 will take place not only in Georgia but in many capitals around the world,” Zurabishvili declares.