The Daily Star Ireland
Georgia has officially sworn in Mikhail Kavelashvili, a loyalist to the ruling party, as president, deepening the ongoing political crisis. This move came shortly after outgoing President Salome Zurabishvili, who is aligned with pro-European Union forces, declared herself the “only legitimate president.”
Kavelashvili’s inauguration is expected to escalate the months-long political turmoil, which has sparked large-scale pro-EU protests. Both Zurabishvili and protesters have denounced Kavelashvili as “illegitimate,” accusing the ruling Georgian Dream party of manipulating the October general elections and calling for a re-run. Kavelashvili took the oath in a private ceremony at parliament, where he delivered a speech emphasizing peace, tradition, national identity, and family values. His far-right views and controversial comments on LGBTQ issues have further polarized the political landscape.
In contrast, Zurabishvili, who is seen as a symbol of pro-European aspirations, addressed a crowd near the presidential palace, maintaining that she remains the rightful president. She vowed to continue opposing Georgian Dream, which she accuses of steering the country away from Europe and toward Moscow.
The political crisis in Georgia began after the disputed elections and the government’s decision to delay EU membership talks. Thousands have protested against the government’s actions, with calls for a re-run of the election. Foreign ambassadors were notably excluded from Kavelashvili’s inauguration, signaling further international tension.
Amidst this unrest, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has dismissed the protests as violent and controlled by opposition forces, while accusing them of being “liberal fascists.” Police have clamped down on demonstrations, using tear gas and water cannons, and arresting over 400 people. Reports of police brutality have led to international backlash, including sanctions from the U.S. against Georgian Dream’s founder, Bidzina Ivanishvili, accusing him of undermining Georgia’s democracy in favor of Russia.
