Georgian president accuses government of working with Russia to influence weekend election
The President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, has almost finished her six-year term in what is largely a ceremonial position, yet the French-born politician has become far more than a figurehead over the past few years.
The unexpectedly decisive victory of the anti-western Georgian Dream party (GD) on Saturday – amid reliable reports of intimidation, coercion and pressure on voters – will be a source of dismay in Brussels and satisfaction in Moscow.
The ruling Georgian Dream has for months been accused by the opposition of steering Tbilisi away from its goal of joining the EU and back into Russia's orbit.