Georgia’s pro-Western president is calling on his nation's citizens to take to the streets and protest the disputed outcome of recent parliamentary elections which she considered a gift to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Following a divisive pre-election campaign, initial figures suggested turnout is the highest since the ruling party was first elected in 2012.
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 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.