Georgia has sworn in a loyalist of the ruling party as president amidst a political crisis, shortly after Tbilisi’s outgoing pro-EU leader proclaimed herself the “only legitimate president”.
The inauguration of former footballer Mikhail Kavelashvili is likely to intensify a prolonged political turmoil marked by large pro-European Union protests.
Outgoing president Salome Zurabishvili and demonstrators have labeled Mr. Kavelashvili as “illegitimate”, demanding a re-election of the October general elections, which they allege were manipulated by the ruling Georgian Dream party.
Mr. Kavelashvili took his oath in a private ceremony within the parliament.
Mikhail Kavelashvili is recognized for his far-right beliefs.
Georgian Dream positions itself as the sole protector of peace in the nation, accusing Western nations of attempting to embroil Tbilisi in the Ukraine conflict.
Known for his extreme views and offensive remarks regarding LGBTQ individuals, Mr. Kavelashvili lauded “our traditions, values, national identity, the sanctity of family, and faith”.
Just moments earlier, a short distance away at the presidential palace, Ms. Zurabishvili stated that even though she will leave the premises, she will continue to oppose Georgian Dream.
“I remain the only legitimate president,” she proclaimed to the crowd.
“I will exit the presidential palace and stand alongside you, bearing the legitimacy, the flag, and your trust.”
Ms. Zurabishvili has become a beacon of hope for pro-EU demonstrators who accuse Georgian Dream of diverting Tbilisi away from Western alliances towards Moscow.
Salome Zurabishvili addresses the audience during a meeting ahead of the inauguration.
Her term was to conclude with Mr. Kavelashvili’s swearing-in.
Thousands gathered at the presidential palace this morning to show their support for her.
Georgia has been ensnared in political upheaval since the disputed parliamentary elections in October and the government’s choice to postpone EU membership discussions.
Daily protests have surged over the past month, with thousands of Georgians alleging that the increasingly oppressive government is obstructing Tbilisi’s EU aspirations.
For the first time in Georgia’s history, the presidential inauguration ceremony took place behind closed doors in the parliament’s plenary chamber.
In a deviation from established protocol, foreign ambassadors were not invited, following reports that they were expected to boycott the event.
Supporters of Georgia’s outgoing president gather in front of the Orbeliani Palace in Tbilisi.
On December 14, an electoral body controlled by the ruling Georgian Dream party appointed Mr. Kavelashvili, a former striker for Manchester City, as the country’s new leader.
Opposition parties have declined to participate in the parliament formed after the elections, while Ms. Zurabishvili has denounced the newly elected legislature, government, and president-elect as “illegitimate”.
This morning, she reiterated that a re-election of the “illegitimate” election would be the “formula to resolve this crisis”.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s announcement on November 28 that Tbilisi would not pursue EU accession talks until 2028 instigated daily protests that continue to this day.
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Echoing rhetoric reminiscent of the Kremlin’s language towards its political adversaries, Mr. Kobakhidze has branded protesters as “violent groups” under a “liberal fascist” opposition and has dismissed calls for new elections.
During the initial ten days of protests, riot police deployed tear gas and water cannons to break up demonstrators, some of whom retaliated with fireworks and stones.
Over 400 individuals have been arrested amid the protests, with many alleging police brutality.
The reported excessive use of force by police has sparked significant international condemnation, leading the US and several European nations to impose visa restrictions on officials from Georgian Dream.
This past Friday, the United States enacted sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of Georgian Dream, accusing him of undermining the country’s democratic future for Russia’s interests.
Oligarch Ivanishvili, Georgia’s wealthiest individual, is widely viewed as the de facto leader of Georgia, despite lacking an official position.
