With the Georgian Dream party taking over the helm of Tbilisi and moving the steer away from the European Union, Georgia is seen to be distant from Brussels. Once the pro-EU and pro-Western party, they have now drifted into increasing authoritarian tactics and not complying with EU standards, including evading sanctions on Russia.

In Georgia, pro-EU parties are divided and in a strong position due to their controversial and shady past behaviour, with a trust deficit observed. One of the principal pro-EU reformers, the United National Movement, is under the chairwoman Tina Bokuchava. However, Mikheil Saakashvili remains the de facto leader, known for authoritarian tendencies during his previous premiership.

There are other parties, such as former UNM officials, including Strategy Aghmashenebeli, European Georgia, Ahali, and Droa. There are other pro-EU parties emerging and gaining traction in the political spectrum of Georgia.

Where the state is in chaos and opposition pro-EU politicians are jailed, and there is a crackdown on civil society, the politics and media of Georgia can soon be dominated only by the Georgian Dream Party. As the EU seeks to reorient Georgia towards the European path, it must also fend off Russian influence and anti-EU laws, thereby establishing a clear face for the EU path. The face of the EU path and resistance should be none other than former Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili.

As President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili's position, essentially a ceremonial role, became the symbol of resistance and a vocal critic of the Russian influence trajectory. Georgia got marred by election protests with alleged discreet Russian influence within its political and legal system. The Georgian Dream Party is projecting its leadership of “stability and economic growth” with the projection of Georgian integration into the EU as a resonance with Ukraine.

Since leaving office, she still considers herself the "President of Georgia" due to the authenticity of the 2024 presidential elections. Her ceremonial role significantly contributed to the civil liberties of street protests, occasionally opposing the Georgian Dream party's bills, which only polarised the political atmosphere.

To consolidate the Georgian Dream party's position, they amended the constitution and permanently ended the direct vote, hence transferring voting power from the public to a college of electors.

Until the end of her office, she remained defiant, expressing unfavourable opinions of the Georgian Dream party and calling on the protesters to intensify their efforts. The agony came when President Salome Zourabichvili directly started participating in the street protests against the Georgian Dream party, which in return has put a catalyst to her popularity boost internally and externally, across the spectrum.

Internally, her involvement in the protests not only revitalised the protest movement but also provided the EU a political platform to address the Georgian political crisis seriously. Where many pro-EU political parties stand together or in coalition during elections, they all have different approaches. There is a critical need for a popular pro-EU figurehead, and President Zourabichvili can reinvigorate and re-energise the pro-EU movement altogether and consolidate that position.

Her presence in the mass protests remains a significant hope among the youth, as they do not want to leave Georgia despite the country's democratic backsliding, the suspension of Georgia-EU accession, and the potential jeopardization of visa-free travel by the Georgian Dream Party. Her figurehead and leadership role, by reviving her now dissolved political party, “The Way of Georgia”, or by establishing a new pro-Western and pro-EU party that integrates all major pro-EU political parties under its umbrella, would change the scenario of Georgian politics.

President Zourabishvili's leadership role would not only unite the state but also bring many pro-EU, unnoticed politicians to the public eye, addressing the trust deficit they face. Under Zourabishvili's leadership, the tides can turn significantly. Many pro-EU parties have emerged in the Georgian political arena, advocating for political and social change through improved democratic governance, the rule of law, and a more balanced justice system.

Engaging with the US is crucial, but so is focusing on engaging with Russia through a multi-vector diplomacy approach to resolve the Abkhazia and South Ossetia issues. Zourabishvili cannot ignore these two regions and should not adopt a hawkish tone to fix them, given that Europe is geographically distant and is currently developing its military capabilities. To resolve the issue, Georgia, under Zourabishvili's leadership, should adopt a pragmatic approach to the crisis.

In the last elections, four political coalitions were standing, along with other parties. Instead, a united front of all parties or major shareholders in one party under Zourabishvili fighting the elections would be much more effective. Zourabishvili's popularity will play a huge role, making the polls one of the turning points in Georgian post-Soviet history. Her diplomatic outreach to the EU would greatly help her in attracting a considerable number of voters and potential endorsements from different foreign political allies.

President Zourabishvili's united leadership, diplomatic skills, and endorsement from the EU can change the political scenario, marking a significant shift and instigating change. Her leadership campaign across the country, uniting the state against all odds, would significantly mark a change and could potentially bring a democratic return under her leadership.