Georgia’s New President Sworn In Amid Political Showdown

In a dramatic turn of events, Georgia’s newly elected president, Kaha Kavelashvili, was sworn in at a closed-door ceremony in parliament, further intensifying the ongoing political crisis in the country. The controversial inauguration, which excluded foreign ambassadors and was marked by a break from tradition, has fueled a deepening divide between the ruling party and opposition forces.
Salome Zurabishvili, the outgoing president, rejected the legitimacy of Kavelashvili’s swearing-in. Speaking outside the presidential palace, Zurabishvili declared, “I remain the only legitimate president.” She then vowed to leave the palace and stand with her supporters, carrying “the legitimacy, the flag, and your trust.” Zurabishvili’s comments resonated with the thousands of demonstrators who have gathered to contest the election results and voice their discontent with what they call a rigged process.
In stark contrast, Kavelashvili, who is known for his far-right views, took the oath of office and issued a defiant speech that emphasized the importance of Georgian “traditions, values, national identity, the sanctity of the family, and faith.” His comments sparked further controversy, especially due to his derogatory remarks about the LGBTQ community in the past.
The inauguration of Kavelashvili, a former footballer and staunch critic of the West, is set to escalate an already intense political standoff. Tensions between the ruling Georgian Dream party and opposition groups have been mounting for months. Kavelashvili’s presidency threatens to drive a wedge further into the nation’s pro-European Union movement, which has seen large demonstrations in favor of Georgia’s integration with the EU. The government’s recent decision to freeze EU membership talks has only added fuel to the fire.
Zurabishvili, along with many opposition leaders, argues that Kavelashvili was elected by lawmakers who were themselves chosen in a fraudulent election held in October. She claims that the vote was marred by irregularities and does not reflect the will of the Georgian people.
On the other hand, the ruling Georgian Dream party maintains that Kavelashvili is the legitimate president, asserting that his election was free and fair. The party has positioned itself as the protector of peace in Georgia, accusing Western powers of attempting to drag Tbilisi into the conflict in Ukraine, a move that is deeply unpopular among many Georgians.
As the standoff continues, Georgia finds itself at a crossroads. With both sides entrenched in their positions, the political crisis is expected to escalate, raising concerns about the country’s stability and its future in the EU and the wider international community. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether Georgia can find a way to navigate this deep political divide and ensure a peaceful resolution.