Georgia's Political Crisis Intensifies as Former Footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili Elected President
Georgia's deepening political crisis took a dramatic turn on December 14, 2024, as the governing party, Georgian Dream, elected former footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili as the country's new president. The move has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from opposition parties, civil society, and international observers ¹.
Kavelashvili, a co-founder of the ruling party's People's Power faction, secured the position after garnering 224 votes from the college comprising GD lawmakers and local councilors. The election process was widely criticized as illegitimate and undemocratic, with many labeling it a "constitutional coup" orchestrated by the ruling party's leader, Bidzina Ivanishvili ¹.
The opposition has vehemently condemned Kavelashvili's election, arguing that it is a blatant attempt to consolidate power and undermine the country's democratic institutions. President Salome Zurabishvili, who has been a vocal critic of the ruling party, described the election as "a travesty" that "has no connection with any political process" ¹.
The international community has also expressed concerns about the developments in Georgia. Marko Mihkelson, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Estonian Parliament, reaffirmed President Zurabishvili's position as Georgia's only legitimate leader ¹.
Kavelashvili's background and qualifications have also raised eyebrows. The former footballer has no higher education diploma, and his nomination has sparked widespread controversy. Critics argue that he lacks the necessary experience and expertise to lead the country ¹.
As the political crisis in Georgia continues to deepen, concerns are growing about the country's democratic future. The opposition has vowed to continue protesting against the ruling party's actions, and international observers are calling for calm and restraint.
- *Mikheil Kavelashvili*: The former footballer and co-founder of the People's Power faction, who has been elected as Georgia's new president.
- *Bidzina Ivanishvili*: The leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party, who is widely seen as the mastermind behind Kavelashvili's election.
- *President Salome Zurabishvili*: The incumbent president of Georgia, who has been a vocal critic of the ruling party's actions and has refused to recognize Kavelashvili's election.
- The opposition is expected to continue protesting against the ruling party's actions, with demonstrations planned in Tbilisi and other major cities.
- International observers are calling for calm and restraint, and are urging the ruling party to engage in dialogue with the opposition.
- The European Union and other international organizations are likely to issue statements condemning the ruling party's actions and expressing concerns about the country's democratic future.
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