In connection with the 33rd anniversary of the referendum on the restoration of Georgia’s independence, the President of Georgia hosted government representatives, MPs, election commission members and students at the Orbeliani Palace. Salome Zourabichvili addressed the invited guests and focused on several aspects of the importance of the independence referendum of Georgia:

“March 31, April 9, May 26 - these are the most important dates of our recent history, on which our state, our independence, and our future stand. These are not only historical dates that we traditionally remember. It is very important not only to remember today, but also to understand what these days mean, what their significance is, and how relevant all these dates are for our state and society.

I will not tell you what March 31 means, the public here remembers it better than me and knows how March 31 came about, how it happened, and then April 9... I would like to draw your attention to only 3 aspects: First - referendum as a symbol of victory and unity. If it weren’t for the unity of the country and all citizens (which is clearly visible in the results of the referendum) - there wouldn"t be a referendum and a sign of its victory. There was a spirit of unity and independence that already existed and that led to further decisions - the Georgian nation proved its will to be free and independent.

Second - referendum as a legal basis. The referendum became the basis of the act of restoration of independence of Georgia, which was signed on April 9. If there was no referendum, it is clear that the Act of Independence would not have the same force and the same weight. Also, the referendum became the legal basis of the territorial integrity of Georgia because it was held on the entire territory of Georgia. The referendum also became a symbol and example of the continuity of the state because the question of the referendum was about the restoration of independence on May 26, 1918, and on the basis of the first constitution. This state continuity is very important and we still stand by it today.

Even more important is that the referendum was also a political statement, a political act - a rejection of Soviet totalitarianism, the Soviet system, and Russian imperialism at the same time. This is what we stand for today. This is what the fight for is not over.

Today we are still fighting the remnants of Soviet totalitarianism; today we are still fighting the remnants of Russian imperialism (sometimes strong), so to speak, the tail is still wagging. It can be seen in our everyday life, it can be seen in Ukraine, it can be seen in our occupied territories, it can be seen in propaganda, it can be seen in every step of the hybrid war, and it can be seen in the efforts to prevent Georgia from continuing to move towards the formation of an independent, free, modern, European state”, - said the President.