Tbilisi (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Mikheil Kavelashvili was sworn in as Georgia’s president amid allegations of electoral fraud and political turmoil.
On 29 Dec 2024, Mikheil Kavelashvili was sworn in as the new president of Georgia amid allegations his election was stolen. Kavelashvili known as a hardline criticiser of the West and ex-Manchester City footballer, took oath at a parliamentary event.
Mikheil Kavelashvili 53-year-old swore an oath on the Bible and the Georgian constitution and
pledged to serve the country’s interests. “Our history clearly indicates that, after countless struggles to protect our homeland and traditions, peace has always been one of the main objectives and values for the Georgian people,” Kavelashvili stated during his address.
On the other hand, departing President Salome Zourabichvili expressed in a defiant speech to supporters outside the presidential castle that she was exiting the residence, but that Kavelashvili had no legality as president, which is a mostly ceremonial post. Zourabichvili has stated she will remain the country’s legitimate officeholder.
Speaking to the protesters, Zourabichvili declared:
“I remain the only legitimate president. I will leave the presidential palace and stand with you, carrying with me the legitimacy, the flag and your trust.”
What led to the public backlash against Georgia’s government?
The political crisis in Georgia is massive and has already gained massive protests against the government’s decision to suspend negotiations for the European Union (EU). Added to this are accusations of electoral fraud after the October 2024 parliamentary elections that have heightened public anger and mobilization.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told the media on November 28 that Georgia will freeze its talks with the EU till 2028. The people are taken aback by this move as they find it to be a betrayal of the European ambitions of the country and drifting into Russia’s embrace.
Elections on October 26 gave a victory win to the country’s ruling party Georgian Dream, where they obtained over 54% of votes, and opposition parties claimed fraud election results by miscount and intimidation. Opposition boycotted the new parliament as the opposition had called the entire election illegitimate.
