European Parliament demands fair elections in Georgia

On December 14, 2024, Georgia's parliament elected Mikheil Kavelashvili as president in a controversial decision that sparked significant protests across the country. Kavelashvili, a former professional soccer player and leader of a splinter faction of the ruling Georgian Dream party, is known for his strong anti-Western views. His election came after a series of tumultuous events, including the government's decision to halt EU accession talks, which had been a cornerstone of Georgia's foreign policy aspirations following independence from Soviet rule in 1991. This decision triggered widespread demonstrations among pro-EU citizens, who felt betrayed by their government. The protests intensified following the announcement of Kavelashvili's candidacy, as he replaced pro-Western incumbent Salome Zourabichvili, who had been criticized for her opposition to the ruling party's increasing authoritarianism and pro-Russian stance. The electoral process that led to Kavelashvili's election was boycotted by several major opposition parties, which claimed that the electoral college system used was illegitimate. They asserted that the election did not reflect the will of the people, especially given that the opposition parties had been contesting the controversial October parliamentary elections where the ruling party claimed a majority despite widespread accusations of unfair practices. Following the presidential vote, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Tbilisi, expressing their discontent with the election process and Kavelashvili's presidency. Many viewed his ascendance to the presidency as a step backward for democracy in Georgia, a nation that had historically positioned itself as a pro-Western state in the aftermath of the Soviet Union. At the same time, Zourabichvili remained steadfast in her role as a legitimate leader within the opposition movement, claiming that she would not resign and would continue to fight for Georgia's European aspirations. This political turmoil is set against a backdrop of growing tensions between Georgia and Russia, especially in light of Russia's historical dominance over Georgia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The ruling Georgian Dream party, led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, has been accused of fostering closer ties with Moscow, which many Georgian citizens oppose. The current unrest may have lasting implications for Georgia's relationship with the EU, as officials from the European Parliament have expressed concerns over the fairness of elections and the country’s democratic decline. Such developments not only threaten Georgia's European ambitions but also highlight a deeper divide within the nation as citizens continue to grapple with their identity in a post-Soviet world.