TBILISI, Georgia — On Saturday, Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former soccer player, officially assumed the presidency of Georgia. His election marks a significant moment for the ruling party, Georgian Dream, which the opposition claims undermines the country’s aspirations for closer ties with the European Union while strengthening influence from Russia.
Kavelashvili, who is 53 years old and was the only candidate presented, secured an easy victory in an electoral college format that replaced direct presidential elections in 2017. This college comprises members from Parliament, different municipal councils, and regional legislatures, underlining the Georgian Dream party’s solid grip on the political landscape in the nation.
In the recent Oct. 26 elections, the Georgian Dream upheld its majority in Parliament in the South Caucasus region, an election that the opposition insists was unfairly influenced by Russian support. Despite the party’s proclamations about their commitment to pursuing EU membership, it has also expressed intentions to “reset” relations with Moscow.
Current president Salome Zourabichvili, alongside other pro-Western political factions, has boycotted post-election parliamentary meetings and is calling for a new election. Tensions between Georgia and Russia peaked in 2008 when the two nations engaged in a brief conflict, which resulted in Russia recognizing two separatist regions as independent.
Critics have raised alarms about Georgian Dream’s growing authoritarianism and pro-Russian leanings, a claim the party denies vigorously. They have recently implemented laws that echo those enacted by the Kremlin, aimed at curbing freedom of expression and rights for LGBTQ+ individuals.
Zourabichvili, who has served since 2018, has stated her intention to continue in her role even after her term concludes on Monday, asserting her position as the legitimate leader until a new election occurs. She believes that the current parliament lacks legitimacy, emphasizing that the election process must reflect a true representation of the public’s will.
On the day of the election, Zourabichvili referred to Kavelashvili’s win as a “provocation” and a “parody,” with opposition leader Giorgi Vashadze declaring her the only valid authority in the country. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze praised Kavelashvili’s presidency as a step forward in establishing the nation’s statehood and reducing societal divisions.
Kavelashvili was selected as the presidential candidate by Georgian Dream, but opponents have criticized his educational background and qualifications. He has a history as a professional footballer, playing for Manchester City in the English Premier League, and transitioned to politics where he became involved with the Georgian Dream party, co-founding the People’s Power movement.
The new law requiring organizations that receive substantial foreign funding to register as pursuing foreign interests has drawn ire from the EU, which paused Georgia’s EU accession status earlier this year. The EU had conditionally granted candidate status in December 2023, contingent upon the country fulfilling specific benchmarks.
Since the government announced the suspension of EU accession talks on November 28, protests have erupted across Tbilisi, with thousands gathering outside Parliament nightly. Riot police have responded with water cannons and tear gas against demonstrators, leading to numerous injuries and arrests.
Media reports indicate several journalists faced violence while covering the protests, with many accusing the government of employing thugs to intimidate citizens voicing dissent. This crackdown has elicited criticism from international figures, including French President Emmanuel Macron, who expressed solidarity with the demonstrators.
Protesters have vowed to continue their efforts against the government, asserting their desire to remain aligned with Europe. They expressed their determination not to succumb to Russian influence and to advocate for genuine democratic processes in their nation.
