Political Turmoil in Georgia: Protests Erupt Over Presidential Inauguration
A severe political conflict is unfolding in Georgia following the inauguration of the new president, Michail Kawelaschwili, who was sworn in on Sunday in the capital city of Tbilisi. The 53-year-old candidate from the ruling party, Georgian Dream, took an oath on the Bible and the constitution, vowing to uphold the interests of the nation. However, outgoing president Salome Surabishvili has made it clear that she refuses to concede her position, claiming that she will take her legitimacy with her and does not acknowledge the elections held on December 14. She is demanding new elections and has called on her supporters to rally in protest.
Thousands of Georgians have joined demonstrations in Tbilisi against what they deem an illegitimate government, with calls for the release of individuals detained during past protests. Surabishvili herself participated in these protests, and on Saturday evening, demonstrators formed a human chain that grew into a sizable crowd outside the parliament building. Initially peaceful, the protests have been a part of a broader movement against the current government's actions.
The protests in Tbilisi were not isolated; similar rallies took place in various cities leading up to Kawelaschwili's inauguration. The new president, who has held a parliamentary seat since 2016, has faced significant challenges in his new role, which holds primarily representational duties. His background as a former football player adds an unusual twist to his political career.
Complications have arisen further with the U.S. imposing sanctions on Bidsina Ivanishvili, the founder of the ruling Georgian Dream party, on the grounds of human rights violations and undermining democratic practices. The U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller asserted that Ivanishvili's actions have compromised the democratic path and European future for Georgia, favoring closer ties with Russia.
In response to the ongoing unrest, Surabishvili has called for her supporters to gather at the presidential palace, where she is expected to outline her next steps. The situation has heightened tensions within Georgia, particularly as Georgian Dream has stalled the nation's EU accession negotiations until 2028, which has triggered further protests from pro-Western factions seeking to align the country more closely with Europe.
The aftermath of the October parliamentary elections, which saw Georgian Dream declared the victor, has only exacerbated frustrations among the populace, leading to violent confrontations, injuries, and hundreds of arrests. Authorities have faced accusations of using excessive force against protesters, prompting concern from both the EU and the U.S. regarding the human rights situation in Georgia.
As Georgia stands at a political crossroads, the conflict between the outgoing president and the newly inaugurated leader highlights the deep divisions within the nation. Protests are set to continue, echoing the public's desire for transparency, accountability, and a return to their European aspirations.
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