Georgia is bracing for upheaval as the inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili, aligned with the ruling Georgian Dream party, looms this Sunday amid accusations of illegitimacy. The outgoing president, Salome Zurabishvili, along with the pro-Western opposition, has declared the election results invalid, intensifying the political crisis gripping the nation.
This inauguration, unprecedentedly conducted behind closed doors at the parliament, is expected to ignite even more significant protests following mass demonstrations advocating for closer ties with the European Union. Georgia has been ensnared in turmoil since the October parliamentary elections, which were marked by controversies over electoral conduct and the subsequent governmental decision to delay talks related to EU membership.
Kavelashvili, whose elevation was solidified by the ruling party’s electoral college, has already faced vehement opposition. The political climate is charged; Zurabishvili, whose term ends with this inauguration, has publicly stated she will not relinquish her position without the government calling for fresh parliamentary elections. This conflict underlines the deep divisions within Georgian politics, as opposition parties have refuse to participate in the newly elected parliament, considering it fraudulent.
Reported by Barron’s, Zurabishvili has labeled the legislative body and Kavelashvili's presidency as 'illegitimate,' which only reflects her unwillingness to accept the current political status quo. The situation has led to mass pro-EU demonstrations, with citizens rallying against perceived authoritarian moves by the ruling party, emphasizing their desire for democratic reforms and adherence to European standards.
The inauguration ceremony reflects not just the elevation of Kavelashvili to the presidency but rather signifies the potential exacerbation of existing tensions between the ruling party and opposition factions. The collective protests have swelled over time, calling for the restoration of democratic integrity and transparency following the contentious elections.
Kavelashvili’s rise places him at the center of this political storm, where the legitimacy of his presidency hangs precariously amid cries for accountability. Protests are anticipated to erupt following his inauguration, with opposition leaders already mobilizing their supporters. Georgians are left grappling with their country's direction, its future relationship with the EU, and their democratic values.
With the historic nature of this inauguration and the stakes involved, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Georgia. The country stands at a crossroads – torn between its aspirations for EU membership and the stark realities of its internal political strife.
