Georgia In Turmoil: New Hardline President Takes Office During Mass Protests

Mikheil Kavelashvili, one of the shrillest critics of the West, was sworn in as Georgia’s president Sunday amid increasing political turmoil. His election follows a controversy by the government to suspend the talks on the application for joining the European Union, provoking major protests and stalemate with the opposition parties.

Outgoing President Denounces Legitimacy of New Leader

In an emotional speech outside the presidential palace, outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili, who is one of Georgia’s most staunch supporters of the pro-EU stance, publicly announced that she does not consider Kavelashvili’s presidency legitimate. Critic of the ruling party Georgian Dream, Zourabichvili had been defiant and declared during her speech, “I am taking legitimacy with me, I am taking the flag with me, I am taking your trust with me.” She walked out of the palace to bewith her supporters, highlighting a stark political divide in the country.

Controversial Election and Claims of Fraud

Zourabichvili and opposition parties contend that Kavelashvili’s election was marred by fraud, citing the October parliamentary elections, which they claim were not free and fair. Despite these accusations, the ruling Georgian Dream party, as well as the country’s election commission, assert that the elections were legitimate. They argue that Kavelashvili is the duly elected president of Georgia.

Kavelashvili’s Ties to Russia Spark Further Controversy

Kavelashvili, who previously played professional soccer for Manchester City, is known for his hardline stance against the West and has long accused Western intelligence agencies of trying to drag Georgia into conflict with Russia. His loyalty to Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire ex-prime minister who remains a powerful influence behind the scenes, has raised alarm in both domestic and international circles. Recently, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili, accusing him of driving Georgia’s shift toward Russia and away from its pro-European aspirations.

Protests Erupt as Georgian Dream Suspends EU Talks

The crisis unfolded after the ruling Georgian Dream party suspended Georgia’s EU accession talks indefinitely, postponing a long-standing goal to join the European Union. This decision sparked outrage among Georgians, who, according to polls, overwhelmingly support EU membership. The protests, which have continued for weeks, have been met with police crackdowns, resulting in the arrest of over 400 individuals, including senior opposition leaders.

The Fight for Georgia’s Future: Pro-Western vs. Pro-Russian Forces

Zourabichvili, who was elected with Georgian Dream’s backing in 2018, has since distanced herself from the party, accusing it of undermining Georgia’s democratic institutions. With her departure and the ascension of Kavelashvili, many fear that Ivanishvili will solidify his grip on Georgia, giving him control over every major political institution in the country.

The ongoing standoff highlights a deepening divide in Georgia, which has long prided itself on its pro-Western stance. The political crisis, fuelled by tensions between pro-EU opposition groups and the pro-Russian ruling party, will likely shape the country’s future trajectory for years to come.