Mikheil Kavelashvili sworn in as new president of Georgia – DW – 12/29/2024

Georgia inaugurated Mikheil Kavelashvili as its new president on Sunday, amid allegations that his election was stolen.

Kavelashvili, a radical critic of the West and former Manchester City footballer, was sworn in at a parliamentary ceremony.

The 53-year-old took an oath on the Bible and the Georgian constitution and vowed to serve the country’s interests.

“Our history clearly shows that after countless struggles to defend our homeland and traditions, peace has always been one of the main goals and values ​​of the Georgian people,” Kavelashvili said during his speech after taking the oath of office.

“I remain the only legitimate president” — Zourabichvili

Outgoing President Salomé Zourabichvili declared his presidency illegitimate in a speech to supporters outside the presidential palace.

“I remain the only legitimate president,” she declared in front of thousands of pro-European demonstrators. “I will leave the presidential palace and stand with you, taking with me the legitimacy, the flag and your trust.”

The former Soviet state has been gripped by political turmoil since October’s disputed parliamentary elections, which saw the ruling Georgian Dream party secure more than 54% of the vote.

There have been pro-European Union protests, with claims that the ruling party is moving Georgia back towards Russian influence and that Georgia’s attempt to join the EU has been undermined.

More than 400 people were arrested during the protests, many accusing authorities of beating them.

The United States and the United Kingdom have sanctioned senior Georgian government officials in response to the crackdown on pro-EU protesters.

ko/jd (Reuters, AFP)