Georgia is on the brink of intensified political turmoil as the country prepares for the inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili as president, following his election which has drawn widespread condemnation and protests. The election has been termed "illegitimate" by outgoing President Salome Zurabishvili and various pro-Western opposition figures, setting the stage for what could become another tumultuous chapter in Georgian politics.
The buildup to Kavelashvili's inauguration on Sunday is ominous, with mass protests erupting across the nation since late November. At the core of these demonstrations is the public's demand for fresh parliamentary elections and the release of those arrested during previous protests. The unrest was ignited by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's announcement on November 28, which stated Georgia would delay its European Union accession bid until 2028—an ultimatum deemed unacceptable by many Georgians longing for closer ties with Europe.
French European Affairs Minister Benjamin Haddad issued a stern warning, labeling the ruling Georgian Dream party's threats against President Zurabishvili as "unacceptable and incompatible" with European values. He emphasized the need for violence and intimidation against protesters to cease immediately. Support for Zurabishvili remains strong among segments of the population, who view her not just as their current leader but also as a symbol of Georgia's European aspirations.
Zurabishvili, who has declined to vacate the presidential palace until the government commits to fresh elections, has enjoyed substantial backing from protesters rallying for democratic processes. "The elections did not happen not only because they were illegitimate, but because they have not been recognized by you and by our foreign partners," she stated, addressing tens of thousands during protests last Sunday. Her refusal to step down could lead to severe governmental reprisals, as Kobakhidze noted her continued presence would constitute "a criminal offense punishable by many years of imprisonment."
This unprecedented act of defiance is set against the backdrop of rising tensions following October's controversial parliamentary elections, which the ruling party has drawn considerable scrutiny over. The new president's swearing-in ceremony is anticipated to take place behind closed doors for the first time, as opposition parties have resolved to boycott the parliament, rendering the electoral results even more contentious.
Prime Minister Kobakhidze, who seems to downplay the significance of opposition protests, believes they lack the resources to escalate tensions. "There is no chance [of escalation]. The most important thing is the violent resource of approximately 500 people has been neutralized," he remarked. His statement raises eyebrows amid reports of aggressive police responses aimed at demonstrators, including the deployment of tear gas and rubber bullets. Over 400 arrests have been reported, drawing criticism from human rights organizations and prompting sanctions against Georgian officials from Western powers.
Opposition factions are keeping up their calls for political change, with aspirations for new elections gathering momentum. The political statements made by both Zurabishvili and opposition leaders suggest any attempts to install Kavelashvili without addressing these grievances could lead to prolonged unrest. Historically, such political crises have destabilized nations, igniting divisions within society and prompting external scrutiny.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, constitutional experts, including Vakhtang Khmaladze, have denounced the legitimacy of the new parliament, arguing it has failed to draw recognition internationally and domestically. The frequent comparisons with Russian political strategies and maneuvers have not gone unnoticed, particularly as Georgian Dream appears to be shifting toward more authoritarian practices reminiscent of their northern neighbor.
The struggle for Georgia's political future is far from resolved, with questioning of governmental legitimacy coursing through the streets. Vigilant protests persist, aiming to maintain pressure on the ruling party, as many continue to seek accountability for issues surrounding human rights violations and the abrupt halt of EU negotiations.
Despite Kavelashvili’s impending inauguration, the voice of the people echoes loudly against perceived injustices and undemocratic practices. The outcome of this mounting political tension will dictate not only the domestic narrative but perhaps Georgia's future relationship with Europe and its democratic institutions.
