New president appointed in Georgia

Georgia, on December 29, 2024, witnessed the inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili as its new president despite strong protests from opposition groups who deemed his election illegitimate. Kavelashvili, a former professional soccer player with a controversial history and a known critic of Western influence, was appointed by lawmakers from the ruling Georgian Dream party, following an election process judged as compromised by international and local observers. Pro-Western opposition leader Salome Zourabichvili, the outgoing president, asserted her legitimacy and emphasized the need for fresh elections, as she gathered supporters outside the presidential palace. The political landscape in Georgia has been fraught with tension and division, particularly following contentious parliamentary elections held in October 2024. Allegations of fraud marred the election results, leading to claims of illegitimacy regarding both the electoral process and the subsequent selection of Kavelashvili as president. Following the election, protests erupted, mobilizing citizens who demanded a return to pro-EU policies and a rejection of perceived Russian influence. The opposition criticized the ruling party's decision to pause negotiations over EU accession, further escalating discontent among the population, who largely support integration with Europe. During his inaugural address, Kavelashvili made promises of unity and cooperation, despite the protests that surrounded the event. Many demonstrators carried red cards, symbolic of their disapproval, while Kavelashvili's presidency has been branded a mockery by those aligned with Zourabichvili. The outgoing president called for her supporters to remain vigilant and demand democratic accountability through new elections. The environment in the capital, Tbilisi, has been charged in the days leading up to the inauguration, with instances of police clashing with protesters and hundreds of detentions occurring amid civil unrest. This inauguration represents a pivotal moment in Georgia's political trajectory, as the opposition contests the legitimacy of Kavelashvili’s presidency and the ruling party's governance, which has been accused of authoritarian tendencies and alignment with Russian interests. The future remains uncertain, as Kavelashvili's administration faces significant challenges, both domestically from dissent and internationally concerning Georgia's aspirations for European Union membership and its geopolitical stance.