Georgia's new president faces protests and EU membership push
Mikheil Kavelashvili has become the new president of Georgia, as the sole candidate nominated by the ruling Georgian Dream party. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze congratulated Kavelashvili and criticized President Salome Zurabishvili, who does not plan to vacate her office. "Salome Zurabishvili is a tragic figure who will leave the presidential palace in two weeks," declared the prime minister.
Prime Minister Kobakhidze, quoted by the Georgian agency Interpressnews, expressed hope that "the election of Kawelaszwili will significantly contribute to strengthening Georgian statehood and sovereignty." He remarked that "for over 20 years, Georgia has not had such a patriotic and mentally balanced president," predicting that Kavelashvili's presidency will be "a turning point for the country."
The inauguration of the new president of Georgia will take place in exactly two weeks, and President Salome Zurabishvili will have to leave her position, announced the prime minister, quoted by the Georgian agency Interpressnews.
The head of the government also announced that despite "red lines," Georgia is determined to do everything possible to become a member of the European Union by 2030.
The newly elected president, Mikheil Kavelashvili, shares this view. We believe that Georgia's entry into the European Union by 2030 is fully realistic, assured Kobakhidze.
Wave of anti-government protests in Georgia
The prime minister addressed the decision made on November 28 to suspend talks on Georgia's accession to the EU until 2028, which sparked a wave of large-scale anti-government protests. Demonstrators continue to gather outside the parliament, surrounded by a police cordon.
Salome Zurabishvili, described by the prime minister as a "tragic figure" in a "serious mental state," does not recognize the election results and declares she will not leave office. After the announcement of the results, the president addressed the citizens gathered in front of the Orbeliani Palace, stating: "No one chose anyone, nothing happened." She had previously announced that she would not recognize the election of the new head of state.
Who is the new president of Georgia?
The 53-year-old Kavelashvili is a long-time politician and a former player of the Georgian national soccer team. He played for national and international clubs, including Manchester City and FC Basel. Critics accuse the new president of having no higher education.
