Georgia has entered a volatile phase of political transition as President Salome Zourabichvili prepares to leave her official residence, the Orbeliani Palace, just hours before the inauguration of her successor, Mikhail Kavelashvili. Zourabichvili, whose term expires on December 29, has declared her departure as both significant and defiant, asserting, "I take with me legitimacy. This residence has been symbolic only as long as there is a legitimate president here. I remain the only legitimate president of Georgia." These words were delivered to her supporters gathered outside the palace on the morning of the inauguration.
The political climate is charged, with Zourabichvili's departure coinciding with Kavelashvili's inauguration, which has sparked widespread protests. The ruling party, Georgian Dream, has faced intense scrutiny following the parliamentary elections held on October 26, where they claimed victory amid accusations of fraud from the opposition. The protests have intensified since the government announced it would suspend negotiations for Georgia’s accession to the European Union until at least 2028.
Zourabichvili, who previously vowed to remain in office until legitimate elections are held, joined the protests against Kavelashvili's election. The former president condemned the electoral process as illegitimate, stating, "A parliament without legitimacy cannot elect a new president." Her statement highlights the deep divisions within Georgia's political sphere and the widespread discontent surrounding the election results.
The inauguration ceremony for Kavelashvili, elected by the electoral college on December 14, occurred at the Georgian parliament on the same day as Zourabichvili's departure. During the ceremony, Kavelashvili offered promises of unity and respect for every citizen, emphasizing the importance of the Georgian family culture. Despite his words, Kavelashvili's election lacks recognition from the opposition, and many citizens view the proceedings as politically motivated and exclusionary.
Controversy has surrounded Kavelashvili, the former footballer without higher education, who secured the presidency as the only candidate backed by the ruling party, Georgian Dream. His election, described as "a parody" by Zourabichvili, has attracted protests where demonstrators displayed red cards and whistles symbolizing calls for his removal from the political arena.
On the streets of Tbilisi and other major cities, crowds gathered to form “living chains” stretching for kilometers, calling for the government to resume EU negotiations and uphold democratic principles. These protests have been met with some harsh police responses, leading to detentions and confrontations.
Zourabichvili's supporters filled the streets as she addressed them, maintaining her claim to legitimacy. She vowed to remain involved until new elections were called: "I will be with you until we appoint elections and until we have our free, dignified government." This sentiment resonates with her followers who continue to demand accountability from the ruling party.
The situation escalated significantly following the election, with some observers drawing parallels between contemporary political events and Georgia's turbulent past. International condemnation has been directed toward Georgia's ruling class, particularly oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the Georgian Dream party, who faces accusations of undermining democracy and fostering pro-Russian sentiments.
Following Zourabichvili's vocal opposition, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili, signaling international concern over Georgia's political direction and the potential for growing Russian influence. American Republican Joe Wilson has even urged Zourabichvili to join the inauguration of Donald Trump, identifying her as "the only legitimate leader of Georgia." This support indicates strained ties between Tbilisi and Washington, exacerbated by the Georgian government's recent decisions.
The German and Baltic states have imposed similar sanctions on Georgian officials, intensifying scrutiny of the ruling government. Amid these developments, Zourabichvili's assertion of legitimacy challenges Kavelashvili's claim to the presidency, marking Georgia's politics as undeniably contentious.
Protests are expected to continue as both sides prepare for what could be more heated confrontations. The potential for political instability looms as the opposition solidifies its stance against the ruling party’s legitimacy and calls for integral reforms within the system.
With Georgia under the spotlight of international observers, the coming days will be pivotal. Zourabichvili's rebellion against her official departure, as well as the protests against Kavelashvili's election, indicate deep-rooted struggles for democracy and representation within the nation. Lawmakers and citizens alike are left to watch and wait as the next chapter of Georgia’s political saga begins, undoubtedly marked by defiance and demands for change.