Georgia's Controversial Presidential Inauguration: Kavelashvili Seizes Power Amid Opposition Outcry
Mikhail Kavelashvili was inaugurated as the president of Georgia this Sunday, marking a historic moment as he became the first leader elected not through universal suffrage but via a controversial electoral college of 300 members. The absence of opposition representatives in this electoral process has raised significant concerns about the legitimacy of his presidency, igniting a political crisis that threatens to incite further protests in the nation.
Kavelashvili, a former footballer and deputy, vowed to uphold the Constitution and the integrity of the country in a ceremony held at the Parliament building. However, the outgoing president, Salome Zurabishvili, who has positioned herself as the legitimate leader, rejected Kavelashvili's inauguration as a mere 'parody.' Zurabishvili, who left the presidential residence before the inauguration, stated in front of her supporters that her presidency continues, regardless of her physical presence in the office.
She accused the ruling party, Georgian Dream, of manipulating the results of last October’s parliamentary elections, plunging the country into a state of unrest. "We fear nothing, not even prison," she proclaimed, emphasizing her claim to legitimacy amidst the growing opposition to the government's authority.
On the eve of Kavelashvili's inauguration, thousands of citizens gathered in Tbilisi, forming a human chain in protest against the government's postponement of EU membership negotiations until 2028. Tbilisi's mayor, Kaja Kaladze, even threatened legal action against Zurabishvili for occupying government property, underlining the escalating tension between the opposition and the current administration.
In an ironic twist, former football fans turned to the sport's symbolism to express their discontent during the inauguration by showing red cards to Kavelashvili, reminiscent of his sporting past. Despite the widespread protests and contention surrounding his election, Kavelashvili asserted his intention to be a unifying president, emphasizing the need to move beyond the 'artificial polarization' that he claims is being imposed by external influences.
The Georgian Constitution stipulates that while the president serves as the head of state, executive powers reside with the parliamentary majority. This has prompted opposition leaders to demand fresh elections, accusing the Georgian Dream government of steering the country away from its European integration and closer toward Russia.
In this politically charged atmosphere, opposition coalitions, including the Coalition for Change, have consistently called for demonstrations, insisting that Zurabishvili remains the legitimate president until new parliamentary elections are conducted. The political landscape in Georgia continues to shift as both supporters and detractors of the newly inaugurated president brace for a potentially turbulent future.
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