On 29 December 2024, Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former professional footballer and prominent critic of Western influence, was inaugurated as Georgia's new president amid significant political turmoil and widespread protests.
The inauguration followed the government's controversial decision to suspend European Union accession talks until 2028, a move that has been met with substantial public dissent.
Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili, known for her pro-EU stance, has refused to acknowledge Kavelashvili's legitimacy, citing alleged fraud in the parliamentary elections that led to his selection by the electoral college.
In her address to supporters outside the presidential palace, Zourabichvili declared, "I am taking legitimacy with me, I am taking the flag with me, I am taking your trust with me," before vacating the residence.
Kavelashvili, a former Manchester City striker, has been a contentious figure due to his anti-Western rhetoric and alignment with the ruling Georgian Dream party, led by ex-Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. His presidency is perceived by opponents as a shift towards Russia, diverging from Georgia's longstanding pro-European trajectory.
The inauguration was marked by significant public unrest. Thousands of protesters gathered in Tbilisi, forming human chains and displaying EU flags, expressing their disapproval of the new administration and the suspension of EU talks. The demonstrations were met with a heavy police presence, with reports of tear gas and water cannons being deployed against the crowds.
The United States responded by imposing sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, accusing him of undermining Georgian democracy and facilitating a pro-Russian agenda. This development has further strained Georgia's relations with Western allies, raising concerns about the country's democratic trajectory and geopolitical alignment.
The current political crisis has deepened divisions within Georgia, with the opposition and a significant portion of the populace rejecting the legitimacy of the new president and calling for fresh elections. The situation remains volatile, with ongoing protests and a heightened security presence in the capital.
Image: Jelger Groeneveld/Wikimedia Commons
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