- Mikheil Kavelashvili sworn in as Georgia’s president amid claims of illegitimacy by outgoing pro-EU President Salome Zourabichvili.
- Protests erupt over the government’s EU application freeze, with accusations of moving closer to Russia.
- U.S. sanctions imposed on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the ruling party’s founder, for allegedly steering Georgia in an anti-Western direction.
Georgia faces a political upheaval following the inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former soccer player and critic of the West, as the nation’s president. Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili has challenged his legitimacy, accusing the ruling Georgian Dream party of rigging the parliamentary elections that led to his selection.
Critics argue that Kavelashvili’s presidency consolidates the influence of Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of Georgian Dream, and shifts the country away from its pro-Western aspirations.
Georgia’s Political Standoff: Between Europe and Russia
The swearing-in of Mikheil Kavelashvili as Georgia’s president has deepened the nation’s political crisis, highlighting divisions between pro-European aspirations and a perceived drift toward Russia. While the role of the president is largely symbolic, Kavelashvili’s alignment with Georgian Dream’s founder Bidzina Ivanishvili has raised concerns over centralization of power.
Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili has become a symbol of resistance, rallying opposition groups and vowing to represent the people’s will outside the presidential palace. Her defiant departure emphasized allegations of election fraud, further inflaming tensions between the ruling party and its critics.
Protests over the government’s suspension of EU application talks have underscored public frustration. Many Georgians see EU membership as a constitutional and cultural priority, and the government’s decision to delay the process until 2028 has sparked fears of increased Russian influence.
International observers have called for an independent review of the October parliamentary elections, which critics claim were marred by irregularities. As demonstrations continue, Georgia’s path forward remains uncertain, with its democratic future at a critical crossroads.
Georgia’s political crisis reflects a broader struggle over its identity and future. As protests intensify, the nation faces critical decisions about its democratic path and international alliances.
“I am taking legitimacy with me, I am taking the flag with me, I am taking your trust with me.” – Salome Zourabichvili
