Georgia's Political Turmoil: Pro-Russia Election Sparks Protests and Constitutional Crisis
Georgia is facing a profound political crisis as the pro-Russia ruling party, Georgian Dream, is set to appoint a far-right loyalist, Mikheil Kavelashvili, as president following a controversial election process on Saturday. This decision comes amid increasing unrest and mass pro-European Union protests that have swept across the nation in recent weeks.
The turmoil began when Georgian Dream claimed victory in the disputed parliamentary elections held in October. The situation escalated after the party's announcement to postpone discussions on EU membership, igniting fresh protests calling for a return to democratic principles. Critics have condemned the upcoming election as illegitimate, claiming that the current president, Salome Zourabichvili, remains the only rightful leader of the country.
Zourabichvili, a pro-Western figure who has openly clashed with Georgian Dream, has firmly rejected the idea of stepping down and is calling for new parliamentary elections. This demand has led to a potential constitutional crisis, as she insists that the circumstances surrounding the parliamentary election were rigged. She has characterized the current political developments as a farce, stressing that they lack both legitimacy and constitutional validity.
On the morning of the election, protests erupted outside the parliament, where police forces cordoned off the area. An electoral college controlled by Georgian Dream, which the opposition boycotted, convened to finalize the appointment of Kavelashvili. Meanwhile, demonstrators braved the cold, sharing tea to stay warm, while water cannons were positioned nearby.
Zourabichvili humorously criticized the election, pointing out the absurdity of a footballer ascending to the ceremonial presidential position while protesters engaged in football games in the snow as a form of protest. One protester, 40-year-old Natia Apkhazava, expressed determination, stating, "We need new elections; we have been protesting here for 16 days, and we'll keep fighting for our European future."
Protests have not only persisted in the capital of Tbilisi but have also been scheduled at various locations, with thousands filling the streets on Friday. Zourabichvili is considered a symbol of Georgia's European aspirations, and her popularity among protesters highlights the urgency of their demands for democratic change.
Critics of Georgian Dream accuse the party of undermining democracy and steering the country towards closer ties with Russia. Kavelashvili, who has been an outspoken critic of the West, is expected to face significant challenges given the growing opposition to his presidency even before it formally begins.
The constitution of Georgia is also under scrutiny, as there are arguments suggesting that all actions taken by the new parliament might be considered void. The founder of Georgia's constitution, Vakhtang Khmaladze, emphasized the unprecedented nature of the current crisis, raising concerns about how the new government will address Zourabichvili's refusal to vacate her office following Kavelashvili's inauguration.
During the protests, police have resorted to using tear gas and water cannons, leading to the arrests of over 400 individuals, according to reports from the Social Justice Centre NGO. The violence has sparked international condemnation, with human rights organizations like Amnesty International denouncing the violent tactics employed against peaceful demonstrators.
As pressure mounts, international leaders are responding. French President Emmanuel Macron expressed solidarity with Georgia's pro-EU movement, stating that their aspirations for European integration must not be extinguished. Meanwhile, the United States has imposed sanctions on Georgian officials implicated in undermining the country’s democracy, emphasizing a lack of recognition for the legitimacy of the current government.
As events unfold in Georgia, the fate of its political landscape hangs in the balance, caught between the aspirations of its citizens and the realities of a government seen by many as drifting towards authoritarianism and further allegiance to Russia.
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