“We believe that power in this country belongs to the people. Therefore, any candidacy or candidates should be discussed only after the elections,” stated Mamuka Khazaradze, the Strong Georgia coalition leader, following his meeting with President Salome Zourabichvili at the Orbeliani Palace.

According to Khazaradze, coalition leaders conveyed to the President that the upcoming elections must be the primary focus to redirect Georgia toward its European path.

“No candidacies were discussed during today’s meeting. We hold that the election and its outcome belong to the people. Matters of this nature should be addressed within the framework of the Charter after the elections. We do not believe that it is the role of politicians to decide on the appointment of government officials.

Power resides with the people, and their choice is paramount. We should wait for October 26, secure a peaceful victory, and thereafter, the President—acting as the guarantor of the transition of power—will play a central role in forming the new government. This will be a collaborative decision involving opposition parties and Salome Zourabichvili,” he added.