President Salome Zurabishvili addressed the existence of uncontrolled elite corruption in Georgia during her speech in Parliament. She stated that corruption serves as the “necessary cement” binding the “trusted caste” around the group in power.
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“Elite corruption has escalated to unprecedented levels, indicating that the voracious appetite of the elite knows no bounds. Moreover, it reflects a lack of accountability and responsibility. Elite corruption serves as the essential adhesive that consolidates a select caste around centralized power—they do not merely retain power, but rather distribute it among themselves.
The glorification and idolization of power are direct remnants of the Soviet era, characterized by its hierarchical structure, single-party rule, autocratic decision-making, expressions of gratitude, self-abasement for survival, surveillance, compromise, and the prevalence of cliques and subordinates. My reference here is to the Soviet system,” stated the president.
According to Salome Zurabishvili, since gaining independence, none of the governments has mustered the strength or will to dismantle the monolithic structure of power and restore a democratic balance. The President highlighted the existence of a judicial “clan,” describing it as a supporting tool of the current system.
“Power has passed from one hand to another, with new leaders emerging, yet the fundamental transformation of the system has not occurred and seems unattainable. This system entails the centralization of power in a single hand and along a singular vertical axis, with the judiciary and all other branches of power serving as auxiliary instruments.
The judicial “clan” epitomizes this enduring system: individuals like Murusidze and Chinchaladze exhibit unwavering loyalty to the current ruling team, just as they did to previous administrations. Unless substantial changes occur, they will continue to pledge their allegiance to future leaders,” remarked the president.
According to Salome Zurabishvili, this system is characterized by a tendency to persecute the opposition, showing no tolerance for political rivals or critical voices: “hence, any alternative viewpoint is immediately demonized, without recourse; individuals are labeled as traitors, agents, or radicals—portrayed as enemies of the nation.” Compromise is seen as a means of discrediting and destroying, while bribery serves as a more subtle alternative.
Today, on February 6, Salome Zurabishvili presented her annual report to Parliament. This marks her final report as president. “Today, I stand before you not for the last time, but for the first time as the president of a candidate member state of the European Union. Congratulations,” stated Zurabishvili at the outset of her speech.
