Thousands of Georgians gathered in the capital, Tbilisi, to protest during the inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili as the country’s new president. Kavelashvili, aligned with the ruling Georgian Dream party, assumed office amidst political unrest following the government’s decision to suspend its application to join the European Union.
The inauguration came on the heels of Georgian Dream’s parliamentary election victory in October, which was overshadowed by allegations of electoral fraud. These accusations have ignited ongoing demonstrations across the country. Outgoing president Salome Zourabichvili refused to relinquish her position, declaring herself the only legitimate president and dismissing her successor’s legitimacy.
Speaking to a crowd outside the presidential palace, Zourabichvili stated that the building no longer held symbolic value under an illegitimate presidency. While she vowed to leave the palace, she promised to continue her fight for democratic principles. Meanwhile, Kavelashvili’s swearing-in ceremony took place behind closed doors in parliament, attended by his family and Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze.
After taking the oath of office, Kavelashvili emphasized Georgian values, traditions, and the importance of peace. He underscored the nation’s historical resilience in defending its homeland and identity, while also highlighting the sanctity of family and faith.
Georgia’s four main opposition parties rejected Kavelashvili’s presidency and boycotted the parliamentary proceedings. Critics have described Kavelashvili’s unopposed candidacy as a travesty, and Zourabichvili has denounced the election process.
The ruling Georgian Dream party has faced increasing criticism for its authoritarian tendencies. Recent legislative changes targeting media outlets, non-government organizations receiving foreign funding, and the LGBTQ+ community have been likened to Russian style policies. Additionally, the government’s refusal to implement Western sanctions on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine has drawn widespread condemnation. The party has also branded the West as the global war party, further undermining its purported aspirations to join the EU and NATO.
Although a significant majority of Georgians support EU membership, the ruling party announced in November that the government would delay accession talks until 2028. This decision sparked widespread protests, with demonstrators clashing with riot police during days of unrest. Authorities deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds, while protesters responded with fireworks and stones.
Ahead of Kavelashvili’s inauguration, protesters waving Georgian and EU flags formed a human chain spanning kilometers. Many voiced their determination to resist what they perceive as growing Russian influence in Georgia. A protester described their efforts as a struggle to free the country from the claws of the Russian empire.
Internationally, the situation has drawn significant attention. The United States recently imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, a former prime minister and billionaire founder of Georgian Dream. These sanctions highlight growing concerns over the ruling party’s trajectory and its impact on Georgia’s democratic institutions.
Georgia operates as a parliamentary democracy, with the president serving as head of state and the prime minister leading parliament. When Zourabichvili assumed the presidency in 2018, she had the endorsement of Georgian Dream. However, she has since become a vocal critic of the party, particularly after its contentious election victory in October. Zourabichvili described the election as a Russian special operation and has supported nightly pro-EU demonstrations outside parliament.
The political crisis reflects broader tensions within Georgian society regarding its future direction. The protests underscore a widespread desire among citizens for closer integration with the EU and resistance to authoritarianism. Observers continue to monitor developments as Georgia navigates this critical period in its history.
