New Georgian president Mikheil Kavelashvili sworn in; predecessor says he is not legitimate leader

Mikheil Kavelashvili Sworn in as President of Georgia Amid Political Crisis

Mikheil Kavelashvili, a staunch critic of the West, took office as the president of Georgia on Sunday in the midst of a political turmoil triggered by the government’s decision to suspend talks on joining the European Union, leading to widespread protests.

Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili, who is pro-EU and a critic of the ruling party, addressed her supporters outside the presidential palace, stating that while she was leaving the residence, Kavelashvili lacked legitimacy as the president, a primarily ceremonial role.

“I will come out of here and be with you,” Zourabichvili declared.

“I am taking legitimacy with me, I am taking the flag with me, I am taking your trust with me,” she added as she walked out of the palace to join her supporters.

Zourabichvili argued that Kavelashvili’s selection was invalid as the lawmakers who elected him were chosen in an October parliamentary election marred by fraud, a view supported by Georgia’s opposition parties.

The ruling Georgian Dream party and the country’s election commission countered that the October election was fair, with Kavelashvili rightfully elected as president.

The standoff over the presidency is seen as a significant moment for Georgia, a nation once considered one of the most democratic and pro-Western among former Soviet states.

Kavelashvili is aligned with Bidzina Ivanishvili, a wealthy former prime minister who wields considerable influence in Georgia.

Recently, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili, accusing him of leading Georgia towards an anti-Western and pro-Russian stance.

Kavelashvili, a former professional soccer player who briefly played for Manchester City, has repeatedly claimed that Western intelligence agencies are conspiring to push Georgia into a conflict with Russia.

“The Georgian people have always understood that peace is the main prerequisite for survival and development,” Kavelashvili stated after taking office.

Protesters outside parliament displayed red cards in a nod to Kavelashvili’s sports background.

Georgian Dream secured nearly 54% of the vote in the October election.

Both local and international election monitors identified violations during the election that could have impacted the results, prompting calls for an investigation from Western nations.

Zourabichvili is supported by the country’s major pro-EU opposition parties, which have boycotted parliament since the election, insisting that she remains the legitimate president until new elections are held.

The confrontation arises from protests following Georgian Dream’s suspension of EU accession talks until 2028, a decision that halted the country’s longstanding aspiration to join the EU, enshrined in the constitution.

This move sparked outrage among Georgians, who overwhelmingly support EU membership, leading to a police crackdown that resulted in over 400 arrests, including prominent opposition figures.

Zourabichvili has accused Georgian Dream of deliberately undermining Georgia’s EU aspirations in favor of closer ties with Russia, from which Georgia gained independence in 1991.

Opposition supporters argue that under Zourabichvili’s leadership, the presidency was the only institution not under the ruling party founder Ivanishvili’s influence, and with Kavelashvili’s appointment, Ivanishvili gains complete control over Georgia.