Georgia Swears-In Ex-Football Player, Mikheil Kavelashvili As President

Political tensions in Georgia escalated dramatically on Sunday with the inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili, a far-right former footballer and member of the governing party, as the country’s new president.

The swearing-in ceremony, held in parliament, was marked by a stark divide in the nation’s political landscape, as outgoing president Salome Zurabishvili and opposition groups declared the election “illegitimate.”

Zurabishvili, Georgia’s first female president, has long been at odds with the Georgian Dream party, which dominates the nation’s political scene.

Moments before Kavelashvili’s inauguration, she made a powerful statement, asserting that she remains the “only legitimate president” of Georgia. She vowed to continue her political fight against what she perceives as the ruling party’s tightening grip on power.

The presidential election that brought Kavelashvili to power has been a source of heated debate. Critics, including Zurabishvili and various opposition groups, allege that the process was marred by irregularities and undue influence from the Georgian Dream party, which has been accused of consolidating power at the expense of democratic norms.

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Kavelashvili’s rise to the presidency has also drawn scrutiny due to his controversial past as a former professional footballer turned far-right political figure. His alignment with the ruling party has raised questions about the independence of the presidency, a role traditionally viewed as a unifying figure in Georgia’s polarized political environment.

In a dramatic televised address prior to the inauguration, Zurabishvili reaffirmed her commitment to challenging what she called the “erosion of democracy” in Georgia. “I remain the only legitimate president of this nation,” she declared, signaling her intent to lead opposition efforts against the ruling party.

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Zurabishvili’s tenure has been marked by repeated clashes with Georgian Dream, particularly over the nation’s alignment with European Union values and democratic reforms. Her final act as president underscores a deepening rift within the country’s political system, as she positions herself as a leading voice for pro-democracy movements.

The inauguration of Kavelashvili and the subsequent backlash highlight the challenges facing Georgia as it navigates its path toward greater political stability. For many, the controversy surrounding the election and the presidency symbolizes broader concerns about the future of democracy in the country.

Georgian Dream, which has held power since 2012, faces accusations of backsliding on democratic principles and using state mechanisms to maintain control. The party, however, defends its record, arguing that it has upheld stability and overseen significant economic growth.