Georgia has entered a turbulent chapter following the inauguration of its new president, Micheil Kavelasjvili, who took office amid widespread protests and allegations of election fraud. Former president Salome Zoerabisjvili left the presidential palace but continues to claim the title of legitimate leader, arguing against the validity of Kavelasjvili’s election.
The political crisis erupted after the October parliamentary elections when the pro-Russian party, Georgian Dream, was declared the winner. This victory was met with accusations of fraud from multiple sources, including Zoerabisjvili and opposition parties. Observers both independently and from the European Union echoed these claims, noting significant irregularities during the electoral process.
On December 14, Kavelasjvili was selected as president by the electoral college, primarily composed of lawmakers from Georgian Dream. This marked the first time in Georgia’s history the president was chosen not by the public but by this body, leading many to question the legitimacy of the outcome. The European Parliament has also voiced its demands for new elections to be held under international oversight to restore public trust.
Prior to the inauguration, thousands of Georgians gathered to protest, feeling disenfranchised and voicing their support for Zoerabisjvili, who has emerged as a symbol of pro-European values. Many demonstrators, waving EU flags, crowded outside the presidential palace as Zoerabisjvili stated, “I will leave here and be with you. I take my legitimacy, the flag, and your trust with me.”
Despite this dissent, Kavelasjvili, formerly a professional footballer with Manchester City, pledged to unite the nation under his leadership. His political career has been marked by rising nationalist sentiments and vocal criticisms of pro-European policies, leading many to label him as the ‘pro-Russian puppet’ of Georgian Dream.
The situation escalated when Georgian Dream announced the suspension of EU accession negotiations until 2028. This announcement fueled already simmering tensions, sparking large protests across the country and prompting accusations of betrayal from the opposition and citizens who overwhelmingly support EU integration.
With Zoerabisjvili declaring her refusal to accept the results of the elections, her supporters argue for her continued legitimacy. “I remain the only legitimate president of Georgia,” she proclaimed, appealing for international recognition of her stance against Kavelasjvili. The current president's inauguration was held behind closed doors without participation from opposition parties, reflecting the deep divide within Georgian politics.
Analysts note this controversy marks not just internal discord but hints at broader geopolitical struggles, with Georgia's aspirations juxtaposed against rising Russian influence. Kavelasjvili’s administration has already shown signs of aligning more closely with Moscow, which has raised alarms among both citizens and international observers concerned about civil liberties, particularly the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
International reactions have also been divided. While leaders from Turkey and Belarus congratulated Kavelasjvili, EU officials withheld recognition due to the contested nature of his election. The U.S. and EU have urged for democratic practices and international oversight to prevent future elections from being mired by accusations of fraud.
The protests against Kavelasjvili’s presidency, now intensifying, reflect the true sentiments of the Georgian populace, committed to their European aspirations. Young activists have led much of this movement, rallying against what they see as authoritarian overreach by Georgian Dream.
Moving forward, the political integrity of Georgia stands at crossroads, with Kavelasjvili’s legitimacy contested inside and outside the country. The coming months may prove pivotal, as both citizens and leaders alike navigate these turbulent waters. Will Georgia find its way back to its pro-European roots, or will it succumb to the deepening influence of its northern neighbor? The future remains uncertain.