Amid escalating political unrest and mass protests, Georgia is set to inaugurate Mikheil Kavelashvili, a controversial figure loyal to the ruling party, as the country’s new president. His election has sparked outrage from opposition groups and the outgoing president, Salome Zurabishvili, who has called the process “illegitimate.”
Political Chaos Grips Georgia
On Sunday, the inauguration of Kavelashvili, a former footballer, will take place behind closed doors in Georgia’s parliamentary chamber. This decision marks a significant departure from tradition and highlights the political turmoil engulfing the Black Sea nation. Since the October parliamentary elections, Georgia has been rocked by widespread protests and demonstrations calling for the resignation of the government and the reorganization of the country’s political system.
The political unrest intensified after the ruling Georgian Dream party installed Kavelashvili, who has been accused of having far-right leanings, in a controversial vote by an electoral college. This action has drawn condemnation from pro-European Union opposition groups, who argue that the election was rigged. “A new president has been chosen, but the process itself has only deepened the rift in our society,” said one opposition leader.
The protests against Kavelashvili’s election are not just limited to the streets of Tbilisi. Thousands have gathered daily for the past month, accusing the government of derailing Georgia’s bid for EU membership. Opposition groups are demanding fresh parliamentary elections, which they believe would be a fairer reflection of the people’s will. On the day of Kavelashvili’s inauguration, another massive rally is expected outside the parliament.
An Election Denounced by Many
The lead-up to Kavelashvili’s swearing-in ceremony has been marred by fierce political tensions. Outgoing President Salome Zurabishvili, who has rejected the legitimacy of the new president’s election, has said she will not step down until fresh elections are called. This standoff has sparked fears of a prolonged political crisis, with no clear resolution in sight.
Zurabishvili’s refusal to vacate office after the election has further fueled protests. In her public addresses, she has called the elections “illegitimate” and demanded that the government take steps to resolve the crisis by holding new elections. Her position has rallied thousands of Georgians who feel their democracy is under threat. Despite this, the ruling Georgian Dream party has shown no signs of backing down.
The controversial election results have also sparked debate over Georgia’s future relations with the European Union. Many protesters view the ruling party’s actions as a betrayal of the country’s aspirations to join the EU, with the government’s recent shelving of European Union accession talks adding to their frustration.
Key Points of the Crisis:
- Kavelashvili’s election by a controlled electoral college is seen by many as a political maneuver by the ruling Georgian Dream party.
- Thousands have protested, accusing the government of undermining Georgia’s EU aspirations.
- President Zurabishvili’s refusal to step down has deepened the political impasse.
- Fresh elections are demanded by opposition groups as a solution to the crisis.
A Historic Inauguration Behind Closed Doors
In a highly unusual move, Kavelashvili’s swearing-in ceremony will take place behind closed doors, a stark contrast to Georgia’s long-standing traditions. The decision to keep the ceremony private has fueled suspicions that the government is trying to prevent further unrest during the high-profile event. Traditionally, inaugurations in Georgia are public affairs, with crowds gathering to witness the peaceful transfer of power.
The closed-door ceremony is expected to be a symbolic gesture that highlights the government’s struggle to maintain control amid mounting protests. The lack of transparency in the process has raised concerns about the country’s commitment to democratic principles.
Protests Continue to Grow
Despite the government’s actions, opposition groups have vowed to continue their campaign for fair elections. The rallies, which began after the disputed parliamentary elections in October, have only gained momentum in recent weeks. Many protesters believe that the government’s crackdown on dissent and the curtailing of freedoms is part of a broader agenda to entrench the ruling party’s power.
The future of Georgia’s relationship with the European Union is uncertain, with opposition leaders arguing that the government’s actions undermine the country’s aspirations to join the bloc. For many in Georgia, EU membership is seen as a pathway to political stability, prosperity, and democratic reforms. However, the political crisis threatens to derail those hopes.
| Key Event | Date | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Election of Kavelashvili | December 14, 2024 | Sparks widespread protests |
| Zurabishvili’s refusal to step down | Ongoing | Intensifies political standoff |
| Kavelashvili’s Inauguration | December 29, 2024 | Expected to fuel further unrest |
As the inauguration approaches, the political crisis in Georgia shows no signs of abating. The protests and political gridlock have put the country at a crossroads. With the future of Georgia’s democracy and its EU aspirations hanging in the balance, the next steps will be critical in determining the nation’s direction.
