The political atmosphere in Georgia has been charged with tension following the controversial inauguration of Michail Kawelaschwili as the new president. On December 29, 2023, amid loud protests and opposing narratives, Kawelaschwili assumed office during a solemn ceremony held at the Parliament of Tbilisi, where he took his oath on the Bible and the Constitution, pledging to serve the interests of Georgia.
Kawelaschwili, known for his pro-Russian orientation, previously served as a member of the Georgian Parliament since 2016. His ascension to the presidency was marked by significant public outcry, primarily fueled by the opposition’s claims of electoral misconduct during the parliamentary elections held on October 26, 2023. Despite his election by parliamentary members—a move facilitated by various amendments initiated by his party, Georgian Dream—many, including his predecessor, Salome Surabischwili, have denounced the legitimacy of his victory.
Surabischwili, who formerly held the presidency, addressed thousands of supporters before her departure from the presidential residence, stating, "I will remain here and continue... this country desperately needs legitimate institutions." Expressing her refusal to recognize the newly elected president and challenging the validity of the December elections, she called for fresh elections and reiterated her commitment to the political opposition, holding the symbolic title of Georgia’s legitimate leader.
Protests have surged across various cities, reflecting widespread discontent with the current government’s direction and the waning prospects of EU integration—a move many Georgians support. Demonstrators have rallied daily, chanting slogans against the perceived shift toward Russian influence, asserting their demands for renewed elections and accountability from the government. The public unrest has grown increasingly intense as the population reacts against the government's delays on EU accession talks, which Georgian Dream announced would be suspended until 2028, amplifying frustrations and driving citizens to the streets.
Notably, Surabischwili has become emblematic of the public’s enduring hope for leadership aligned with pro-European aspirations. Her speeches resonate within the populace, emphasizing values of democracy and European engagement at odds with the current administration’s policies, which opponents describe as authoritarian. "These parodies... this is real parody, which this country does not deserve," Surabischwili stated poignantly, highlighting the discord within Georgia's political framework.
The political dynamic shifted markedly following the pro-Western protests triggered by the dissatisfaction surrounding the October elections. Now, these demonstrations have been partially transformed as former allies navigate the perplexing terrain of shifting allegiances and ideological confrontations. The newly inaugurated president presents himself as the harbinger of traditional values, saying, "History shows... peace is one of the main goals and values of the Georgian people," which critics contend is more rhetoric than substance.
Persistent protests have drawn significant attention from international observers, with nations voicing concerns over human rights violations arising from government crackdowns on dissent. The situation has compelled the United States to impose sanctions against Bidsina Ivanishvili, the billionaire founder of Georgian Dream, whose influence within the government has been criticized as undermining Georgia's democratic foundations and creating closer ties to Moscow.
Reactions from Western nations have varied, with some calls for independent investigations and condemnation of the violence perpetrated against protesters. Still, experts express skepticism over the extent of sustained international pressure, predicting eventual acquiescence to the status quo. Nino Khelaia, a political scientist based in Tbilisi, noted, "The reaction will depend significantly on the continuity and intensity of the public outcry."
Georgia's recent political history, marked by fluctuated allegiances and reformative ambitions, continues to loom large over its governance. Surabischwili has urged her supporters to remain resolute as she navigates her role outside the presidential palace. Her leadership is now seen by many as pivotal for the momentum of the opposition’s efforts against what they perceive as the encroaching authoritarianism of the Georgian Dream coalition.
With the inauguration of Kawelaschwili now complete, the nation watches closely as the tectonic plates of Georgian politics shift beneath them. Questions linger about the future of democratic governance, the role of civil society, and the possible emergence of new political narratives amid this unprecedented crisis. The will of the Georgian people, as echoed through chanting crowds and fervent speeches, is poised to shape the country's next steps toward either reconciliation with the government or continued resistance against it.