Mikheil Kavelashvili was officially sworn in as the new president of Georgia on Sunday amidst a political crisis that has gripped the nation. The turmoil began when the government decided to freeze talks regarding Georgia’s application to join the European Union, a move that sparked widespread protests across the country.
Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili, who is known for her pro-EU stance and opposition to the ruling party, addressed her supporters outside the presidential palace in a defiant speech. She expressed her disagreement with Kavelashvili’s legitimacy as the new president, emphasizing that the decision was made by lawmakers elected in an allegedly fraudulent parliamentary election in October.
Zourabichvili declared, “I am taking legitimacy with me, I am taking the flag with me, I am taking your trust with me,” before leaving the palace to join her supporters. She maintained that Kavelashvili’s election was not valid, a sentiment echoed by Georgia’s opposition parties who stand in solidarity with her.
Despite the controversy surrounding Kavelashvili’s election, the ruling Georgian Dream party and the country’s election commission have affirmed that the October election was conducted fairly. They assert that Kavelashvili is the duly elected president, leading to a standoff between the government and the opposition.
The political crisis in Georgia is considered a significant moment for the country, which has been viewed as one of the most democratic and pro-Western nations in the former Soviet bloc. Kavelashvili, a close ally of billionaire ex-prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, assumed the presidency with the support of the ruling party.
The U.S. recently imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili, accusing him of spearheading Georgia’s shift towards an anti-Western and pro-Russian stance. Kavelashvili, a former professional soccer player, has been vocal in his criticism of Western intelligence agencies, alleging their involvement in instigating conflict between Georgia and Russia.
Protesters outside parliament displayed red cards as a symbolic gesture referencing Kavelashvili’s sports background, highlighting their discontent with his presidency. The opposition parties, backed by Zourabichvili, have boycotted parliament since the disputed election and are calling for fresh elections to establish a legitimate government.
The suspension of EU accession talks by the Georgian Dream party has further fueled tensions in the country, leading to widespread anger among citizens who are overwhelmingly in favor of joining the EU. The decision has sparked protests and a subsequent police crackdown, resulting in the detention of hundreds of individuals, including senior opposition leaders.
Zourabichvili has accused the ruling party of sabotaging Georgia’s aspirations to join the EU and aligning the country with Russia instead. Opposition supporters believe that Kavelashvili’s presidency will consolidate Ivanishvili’s control over Georgia, eroding the independence of institutions in the country.
The political impasse in Georgia underscores the deep divisions within the country and the challenges it faces in navigating its future trajectory. As the nation grapples with internal strife and external pressures, the path forward remains uncertain, with the outcome of the power struggle shaping the country’s political landscape for years to come.
