Georgia Inaugurates Former Soccer Player As President Amid Controversy

Outgoing Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili holds a press conference outside the Orbeliani Palace, the official residence of the President of Georgia, in Tbilisi, Georgia, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024.

Former soccer player Mikheil Kavelashvili was formally inaugurated as president of Georgia on Sunday, solidifying the ruling party's control. The opposition views this as a setback to the country's EU aspirations and a win for Russia.

Outgoing pro-Western Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili announced her departure from the Orbeliani Palace in Tbilisi, asserting her legitimacy despite Kavelashvili's inauguration, which she labeled a 'parody.'

Kavelashvili, the sole candidate on the ballot, secured victory in December due to the Georgian Dream party's dominance of the electoral college. In his address, he pledged to be a president for all citizens and urged unity around shared values.

Outgoing President Zourabichvili criticizes Kavelashvili's inauguration as a 'parody.'

Kavelashvili inaugurated as Georgia's president, sparking opposition backlash.

Kavelashvili secured victory as the sole candidate, raising concerns about electoral process.

Georgia's political landscape marred by allegations of election rigging and ties to Russia.

Georgian Dream party criticized for authoritarian tendencies and restrictions on rights.

Suspension of EU accession talks by Georgian Dream triggers protests and international condemnation.

Kavelashvili's background as a soccer player and controversial legislation raise questions.

Tensions high between pro-Western and pro-Russian factions in Georgia's political climate.

Kavelashvili pledges to be a president for all citizens and calls for unity.

Georgia faces uncertainty in its future trajectory under Kavelashvili's presidency.

Georgia's political landscape has been marred by allegations of election rigging and ties to Russia. The ruling party, Georgian Dream, has faced criticism for authoritarian tendencies and laws restricting freedom of speech and LGBTQ+ rights.

The suspension of EU accession talks by Georgian Dream sparked widespread protests, with demonstrators demanding new elections and denouncing the government's actions. The ensuing clashes between protesters and police drew condemnation from the US and EU.

Kavelashvili's background as a soccer player and his involvement in controversial legislation have drawn scrutiny. His presidency comes at a critical juncture for Georgia's future trajectory, with tensions running high between pro-Western and pro-Russian factions.