TBILISI, Georgia — Mikheil Kavelashvili, the former professional soccer player and member of the ruling Georgian Dream party, was elected as the new president of Georgia on December 14, 2024. Kavelashvili’s election raises significant concerns about the country’s democratic future, following widespread allegations of election fraud and opposition boycotts.
Kavelashvili, 53, was the sole candidate on the ballot, winning with overwhelming support from the ruling party’s electoral college, which consists of members of parliament and local councils. Out of 225 electors present, Kavelashvili received 224 votes, symbolizing the tight grip the Georgian Dream party has over the political system.
The election is widely viewed as consolidative of Georgian Dream’s power and detrimental to the country’s aspirations to join the European Union. Following the results, the outgoing president, Salome Zourabichvili, who has vehemently opposed the ruling party, declared, “I remain your president — there is no legitimate parliament and hence no legitimate election or inauguration. My mandate continues.” Zourabichvili, who was elected by popular vote and has been outspoken against Georgian Dream’s ties to Russia, vowed to stay on as president after her term ends.
Opposition leaders, including Giorgi Vashadze of the Unity National Movement Coalition, echoed Zourabichvili’s sentiments, asserting she is “the only legitimate source of power.” The reaction to Kavelashvili’s election has ignited protests across Georgia, with thousands taking to the streets to voice their dissent.
Protesters gathered outside the parliament building, many mocking Kavelashvili’s past as a soccer player by waving red cards and playing the sport on the street. Some expressed their frustration at what they perceive as the ruling party’s pro-Russian inclination. “(Kavelashvili) is not elected by us. He is controlled by a puppet government, by Bidzina Ivanishvili, by Putin,” stated protester Sandro Samkharadze.
The Georgian Dream party, founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, has faced increasing accusations of authoritarianism and has been criticized for its efforts to freeze the country’s EU accession talks until 2028. This decision has sparked renewed anger among opposition factions and the public, who believe membership is integral to the nation’s future. Despite these sentiments, Georgian Dream claims to remain committed to pushing forward with EU integration.
The political atmosphere in Georgia has transformed significantly since the October elections, where the ruling party retained control with nearly 54% of the vote, amid allegations of vote rigging, including double voting and bribery, often purportedly with the backing of the Kremlin. The U.S. and EU have condemned these actions, expressing concerns over the rollback of democratic institutions and civil liberties.
A recent crackdown on protests has also raised alarm. Police forces have commonly responded with tear gas and water cannons against peaceful demonstrations. According to activist groups, more than 400 people have been arrested, and numerous journalists have reported instances of police violence during the demonstrations.
The hostility toward the government’s actions has been felt internationally. French President Emmanuel Macron urged Georgians to maintain their European aspirations, stating, “Georgia’s European dream must not be extinguished.” The growing scrutiny over the Georgian government’s drift toward Moscow and its authoritarian measures juxtaposed against its stated desires for EU membership has raised red flags among Western allies.
The new president, Kavelashvili, known for his criticism of Western influence and strong anti-EU rhetoric, previously gained visibility through his political movement, People’s Power, which is widely seen as supportive of pro-Russian policies. His political narrative includes claims against Western intelligence agencies, alleging their intentions to exacerbate tensions with Russia.
Despite the often-celebrated history of Georgia as one of the more pro-Western and democratic successor states to the Soviet Union, the current state of affairs casts doubt on its political future. While Kavelashvili prepares to take office, the opposition continues to refuse to recognize his presidency, insisting on fresh elections under fair conditions to restore confidence within the populace.
These events point to Georgia being at a crossroads—balancing between aspirations for democratic integrity and the overwhelming influence of Russian-aligned politics. The demonstrations against Kavelashvili’s election are likely to continue as civic groups rally for their voices to be heard amid the current political turmoil.
Georgia’s situation remains precarious, with both domestic unrest and international scrutiny amplifying as citizens demand a government representative of their interests and aspirations for the future.
