Georgians Protest as Pro-Russian Party Appoints Ex-Footballer as President

Here’s a rewritten version of the article:

—

Controversial Presidency Sparks Backlash in Georgia Amid Political Turmoil

Lithuanian MEP Rasa Juknevičienė has criticized the recent presidency of Kavelashvili, describing it as “a farce.” In a post on X, she remarked that elevating someone with no higher education and anti-Western views — despite his soccer background abroad — to such a position mirrored “Russia, Belarus, and other autocracies.” Juknevičienė made these comments during her visit to Georgia last Thursday with a European Parliament delegation.

Public discontent has grown after the traditional public vote for the presidency, last held in 2018, was replaced by the electoral college system. Demonstrators gathered outside the Georgian parliament, alleging that Georgian Dream, the ruling party headed by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, has maintained its dominance through a parliamentary election process they deem unfair.

Georgia has faced months of political upheaval. The controversy began with the late-October parliamentary elections, decried by President Salome Zourabichvili as “fraudulent.” Georgian Dream’s victory in the elections provoked widespread discontent, as the government took a drastic step by withdrawing from the country’s European Union accession process. This decision triggered large-scale protests in Tbilisi and other cities, with demonstrators facing reports of violence, arbitrary arrests, and other forms of intimidation.

Addressing the escalating tensions, the European Union issued a statement on Tuesday, urging Georgian Dream to de-escalate and respect the will of the Georgian population, who have shown strong support for EU membership. Sanctions have also been imposed on Georgian officials by Ukraine and several EU nations, including the Baltic states, in response to the government’s actions.

Despite this, Prime Minister Kobakhidze stated last Saturday that his government is “ready to do anything to make Georgia a member of the EU.” His claim stands in stark contrast to recent actions by Georgian Dream, including the introduction of a Russia-style foreign agents law earlier this year. The measure prompted significant protests and sharp criticism from President Zourabichvili.

As Georgia navigates this tumultuous period, international observers warn that the current environment poses severe consequences for the country’s aspirations of aligning more closely with the West.

—

Let me know if you need additional edits!