Salomé Zurabishvili defies demands to resign as Georgia's president

On December 29, 2024, tensions escalated in Georgia as Salomé Zurabishvili, the pro-Western president, refused to vacate her position following the conclusion of her six-year term. The inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili, a candidate supported by the ruling Georgian Dream party, took place amidst the backdrop of claims by Zurabishvili declaring herself the 'only legitimate president'. With her term reportedly finished, she aligned with thousands of pro-European demonstrators protesting against the government’s actions and the legitimacy of Kavelashvili's election. This political standoff marks a critical moment in Georgia's post-Soviet history, resonating with issues of nationalism and foreign alignment after years of fraught relations with Russia. Georgia's political landscape has become increasingly polarized, especially as the pro-European president has publicly denounced the governing party's recent election processes, characterized by her as a ‘Russian special operation’. Since taking office in 2018 with the support of Georgian Dream, Zalomi has since distanced herself from the party as civil unrest has surged due to frustrations over perceived government failings. Recently, she faced threats from government officials warning of potential arrest should she refuse to step down. The heated contest between pro-European supporters and the government loyalists highlights the nation's struggle between alignment with Europe versus Russia. Following the world’s attention on Georgia’s aspirations for EU membership following its candidate status, Zourabichvili’s staunch resistance against such a takeover from the ruling party demonstrates the urgency of pro-European sentiments across her support base. This can be perceived as a last stand against further encroachment by Russian interests amidst the ongoing occupation stemming from the 2008 conflicts. The escalating situation culminates a long-standing historical tension in Georgia, where the shadows of Russian influence loom large over national sovereignty. As the country navigates its future direction, it faces a decisive moment, making the next steps crucial not just for Zourabichvili but for Georgia's potential alliance choices for decades to come. With public demonstrations expressing frustrations against the internal political direction, what happens next could significantly shift the course of Georgia’s internal and external relationships in the region.