Georgia’s Turmoil Intensifies: Ex-Football Star Mikheil Kavelashvili Takes the Helm as President

Georgia’s Political Turmoil: Protests Erupt Following Presidential Appointment

In a significant political development, Georgia’s parliament has appointed Mikheil Kavelashvili as president amidst ongoing protests advocating for European Union integration. This decision comes after 17 days of demonstrations that have swept across various cities in the country.

Kavelashvili’s Controversial Election

Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former footballer and member of the ruling Georgian Dream party, was elected president with overwhelming support from the electoral college—224 out of 225 votes. However, his election is marred by controversy; opposition parties have denounced the legitimacy of both his candidacy and the parliamentary vote itself, claiming that recent elections were manipulated.

The protests intensified on Saturday morning as large crowds braved freezing temperatures to gather outside parliament ahead of Kavelashvili’s confirmation. Salome Zourabichvili, Georgia’s outgoing pro-Western president, criticized this election process as a farce and asserted her position as representing Georgia’s legitimate governance.

Government Response to Protests

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has publicly accused Zourabichvili of undermining national interests and emphasized that she will step down when her term concludes on December 29. He reassured citizens about the government’s capability to maintain order during these turbulent times.

Nino Tsilosani, another member of Kobakhidze’s party, stated that public sentiment no longer recognizes Zourabichvili as their president—a reflection of deepening divisions within Georgian society.

Public Sentiment Against EU Negotiation Delay

The unrest began immediately following October elections but escalated dramatically after an announcement on November 28 regarding a delay in EU accession negotiations until 2028. A substantial majority of Georgians support EU membership—a commitment enshrined in their constitution—and nightly demonstrations continue along Tbilisi’s main avenue where protesters wave EU flags while demanding fresh elections.

On the eve of Kavelashvili’s election, spontaneous protests erupted throughout Tbilisi involving diverse groups including IT professionals and artists who voiced their demands for legal reforms and respect for human rights. Lawyer Davit Kikaleishvili articulated this sentiment by stating their goal is to establish a lawful state grounded in constitutional principles.

Kavelashvili’s Political Background

As co-founder of the People’s Power party—known for its anti-Western rhetoric—Kavelashvili has labeled opposition factions as foreign agents undermining national sovereignty. His political journey began after he was barred from leading Georgia’s football federation due to insufficient qualifications. Despite running alongside Georgian Dream during recent elections, his party now positions itself as a constructive alternative rather than an outright opposition force funded by external entities.

Guram Macharashvili from People’s Power recently declared an exit from the ruling coalition while describing current events in Georgia as artificially manufactured crises influenced by foreign powers. He further elaborated on what constitutes “healthy opposition,” suggesting it involves collaboration with governing bodies rather than mere dissent against them.

International Reactions and Human Rights Concerns

Critics accuse Georgian Dream—a party founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili—of steering Georgia back into Russia’s sphere influence amid growing concerns over democratic regression. The European Union (EU) has condemned police brutality against protesters while U.S officials have imposed visa restrictions targeting key government figures involved in suppressing democracy within Georgia.

Reports indicate over 460 individuals have been detained during recent protests; Transparency International highlights allegations that more than 300 detainees faced mistreatment or torture—including journalists targeted during violent confrontations with pro-government groups aiming to intimidate civil society activists through harassment tactics such as beatings outside homes or arbitrary arrests.

Former public defender Nino Lomjaria described systemic torture practices occurring within detention facilities while theatre workers participating in Friday demonstrations chanted slogans condemning police presence yet lamenting justice being absent from societal discourse altogether.

As tensions rise between government forces and citizens advocating for democratic integrity aligned with European values—the future trajectory remains uncertain amidst calls for international intervention against perceived authoritarianism gripping this small Caucasian nation.