President Salome Zuorabichvili is participating in the Munich Security Conference (MSC) from February 14-16, an annual gathering that convenes global leaders to address urgent security challenges. This year, the event is set against the backdrop of a new U.S. administration, a fresh cycle of European legislative activities, and the impending German parliamentary elections. Notably, no representatives from the current Georgian Dream (GD) government received invitations to the conference.

Prior to her departure for Germany, Zourabichvili engaged with opposition party leaders, civil society representatives, local media figures, activists, families of detained protesters, and civil servants to shape her messages for the conference. Giorgi Gakharia, the former Prime Minister of Georgia and now an opposition leader, is also attending the MSC.

Spotlight on Georgia

"It is very easy to find a solution if the United States and the European Union get together. I don’t think that small Georgia cannot be solved and become a good solution and an example of a democratic solution," Zourabichvili remarked during the "Spotlight on Georgia" discussion on the first day of the MSC. In her remarks, she tackled the political crisis in Georgia, claiming that the elections on October 26 were manipulated, criticized the Georgian Dream government's actions, highlighted Russian interests in Georgia, and emphasized the country’s geopolitical significance, as well as the ongoing protests and the necessary steps the West should take.

"I don’t see sufficient reactions from our European partners or American partners," Zourabichvili stated, cautioning that a successful Russian intervention in Georgia could lead to further encroachments in the region and beyond in Europe. She underscored the nation's strategic importance, particularly regarding the Black Sea, where she noted Russia and China are vying for increased dominance. In discussing the protests, she commended the Georgian people's peaceful resistance against what she termed a "dictatorship"—despite it being a relatively weak one. She dismissed claims of a "revolution," emphasizing the grassroots nature of the protests: "Nobody is mobilizing the people. They are mobilizing themselves," she noted. "They want to be seen, they want to be heard," she conveyed, sharing the messages from citizens that she aims to relay to the West. People are seeking "the truth to be said, the condemnations to be clear," she added, stressing that there are no expectations for "any form of intervention" in Georgia’s internal matters. Zurabishvili also called on the West to strengthen civil society in Georgia. She pointed out that decisions by Western institutions, particularly within the EU, to redirect financial support from the Georgian government to civil society and media have yet to materialize, warning that "by the time it arrives, it may be too late." She expressed concerns raised by those she conversed with prior to her trip to Munich.

While acknowledging the EU's potential lack of consensus on imposing stringent measures against Georgian officials, she urged individual nations that have yet to recognize the elections as unfair to do so.

Meetings

On February 14, President Salome Zourabichvili held discussions with Europol’s Executive Director, Catherine De Bolle, and Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda. Additionally, she engaged with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on the sidelines of the conference. "At MSC2025, I met with Europol’s Executive Director Catherine De Bolle to discuss recent developments in Georgia, including repressive laws and the offshore law. These developments could threaten the continued cooperation between Europol and Georgia’s law enforcement," Zourabichvili tweeted following the meeting.

"Discussions with President Edgars Rinkēvičs focused on the support of the Georgian people and their unwavering will for new, free, and fair elections. Stronger together," she shared on social media. "I met with President Gitanas Nauseda to discuss Georgia’s situation and growing repression. Those enforcing Russia’s orders must be held accountable. Grateful for Lithuania’s support in our fight for new, free, and fair elections," President Zourabichvili tweeted after her meeting with the Lithuanian leader. Her meetings will continue on February 15, having already included discussions with French Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and U.S. Representative Joe Wilson.

"Had a productive discussion with Minister Jean-Noël Barrot regarding the continued protests in Georgia. Discussed additional actions that could be taken at the national and the EU levels. Emphasized the necessity to support Georgia’s civil society and free media," Zourabichvili tweeted after her meeting. "Grateful to see my great friend Legitimate President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili! Illegitimate Ivanishvili rigged an election in October and is now turning Georgia into a dictatorship. We need immediate sanctions on the regime. Free and fair elections are the only way forward!" Joe Wilson tweeted after their meeting.