Tbilisi, Georgia – Thousands of protesters took to the streets in the capital city of Tbilisi as Mikheil Kavelashvili was inaugurated as Georgia’s new president. Kavelashvili, a former professional football player, assumed office amidst a backdrop of political turmoil following contentious parliamentary elections and a suspension of the country’s application to join the European Union.
The ruling party, Georgian Dream, faced allegations of electoral fraud, leading to widespread street demonstrations. Outgoing president Salome Zourabichvili refused to recognize Kavelashvili’s legitimacy, sparking further tensions in the political landscape.
Despite Zourabichvili’s defiance, Kavelashvili proceeded with a closed-door swearing-in ceremony, emphasizing the importance of Georgian traditions and values in his inaugural address. His ascension to power comes at a critical juncture for the country, as Georgia grapples with its relationship with the EU and internal divisions within the ruling party.
Opposition groups have rejected Kavelashvili’s presidency, boycotting parliament in a sign of defiance against Georgian Dream’s perceived authoritarian turn. The government’s decision to delay EU accession talks until 2028 has fueled public discontent, with protesters advocating for closer ties with the European bloc.
The political upheaval in Georgia has caught the attention of the international community, with the United States imposing sanctions on former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire founder of Georgian Dream. The situation underscores the complexities of Georgia’s parliamentary democracy, where the president serves as the head of state while the prime minister leads the parliament.
As Georgia navigates a challenging political landscape, the inauguration of Kavelashvili symbolizes a new chapter in the country’s history, marked by uncertainty and discord among various political factions. The future direction of Georgia’s domestic and foreign policies remains uncertain, with lingering tensions threatening to undermine stability and progress in the region.
