Mikheil Kavelashvili Takes Oath as Georgia’s President Amid Turmoil

Tbilisi (Eurotoday) – Mikheil Kavelashvili was sworn in as Georgia’s president amid allegations of electoral fraud and political turmoil.

On 29 Dec 2024, Mikheil Kavelashvili was sworn in as the new president of Georgia amid allegations his election was stolen. Kavelashvili, known as a hardline critic of the West and ex-Manchester City footballer, took the oath at a parliamentary event. 

Kavelashvili, 53 years old, swore an oath on the Bible and the Georgian constitution, pledging to serve the country’s interests. “Our history clearly indicates that, after countless struggles to protect our homeland and traditions, peace has always been one of the main objectives and values for the Georgian people,” Kavelashvili stated during his address.

On the other hand, departing President Salome Zourabichvili expressed in a defiant speech to supporters outside the presidential castle that she was leaving the residence but that Kavelashvili had no legitimacy as president, a role that is mostly ceremonial. Zourabichvili has stated she will remain the country’s legitimate officeholder.

Speaking to the protesters, Zourabichvili declared:

“I remain the only legitimate president. I will leave the presidential palace and stand with you, carrying with me the legitimacy, the flag and your trust.”

What led to the public backlash against Georgia’s government?

The political crisis in Georgia is massive and has already sparked large-scale protests against the government’s decision to suspend negotiations for the European Union (EU). Adding to this are accusations of electoral fraud after the October 2024 parliamentary elections, which have heightened public anger and mobilization.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze told the media on November 28 that Georgia will freeze its talks with the EU until 2028. The public sees this move as a betrayal of the country’s European ambitions and a shift toward Russia’s influence.

Elections on October 26 handed a victory to the ruling party Georgian Dream, which secured over 54% of the vote. However, opposition parties claimed the results were fraudulent, citing vote miscounts and intimidation. As a result, the opposition boycotted the new parliament, labeling the entire election illegitimate.