Ukraine compares Zurabishvili to Zelensky over refusal to step down as president

Ukrainian journalist Diana Panchenko compared Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who also refused to resign after his term expired on May 20.

"Now, like Zelensky, will you extend the powers of the president? All for the defense of democracy?" - she wrote in social network X (former Twitter) on December 1.

Thus Panchenko commented on Zurabishvili's post, in which she spoke about large-scale protests in Georgia.

Very vague matters: anti-government rallies radicalize in Georgia

When and how the riots on the streets of Tbilisi may end

In Georgia, the protests related to the suspension of negotiations on European integration and disagreement with the results of parliamentary elections in the country continue for the fourth day. Protesters on November 30 tried to set fire to the parliament building and damaged dozens of offices. Against the backdrop of the situation, the country's Interior Ministry called on the opposition supporters to remove children from the rally for safety reasons.

Earlier, on November 30, Zurabishvili said she would not give up her powers. In her opinion, the parliament of the new convocation is "illegitimate", so her powers will continue after the end of her mandate. In response, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze warned that Zurabishvili will have to leave office on December 29.

In turn, Zelenski's presidential term expired on May 20. On the basis of the martial law in force in the country, he canceled the election of the head of state and remained in power despite losing his powers in terms of the Ukrainian constitution.