The former Manchester City striker, Mikheil Kavelashvili, assumes the presidency, creating tension with the current leader who disputes the legitimacy of the election process.
Georgian Parliament Elects Far-Right Ex-Soccer Player as President
Georgian Parliament Elects Far-Right Ex-Soccer Player as President
The election comes amid a significant political crisis following a controversial parliamentary vote boycotted by opposition factions.
In a controversial move, Georgia's ruling lawmakers appointed Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former soccer player with hard-right political views, as the new president during a Saturday session in Tbilisi. This decision has escalated the ongoing political turmoil in the country, which has seen weeks of protests and backlash following a disputed parliamentary election.
Kavelashvili, 53, who once played for Manchester City, was the only candidate for the role. Notably, this election marks the first under a new electoral college system that replaced direct presidential elections seven years ago. Opposition parties refrained from participating, citing significant concerns over the integrity of the October elections, including allegations of vote buying and intimidation tactics.
The Georgian Dream party, which maintains a parliamentary majority and has shifted the country’s alignment away from the European Union towards closer ties with Russia and China, heavily backed Kavelashvili. His election sets the stage for a confrontation with the outgoing president, Salome Zourabichvili, who has pledged to remain in power until fresh elections take place. Zourabichvili, who was elected through the last popular vote, condemned the election as undemocratic, likening it to Soviet-era practices.
While the constitutional court has dismissed Zourabichvili's legal challenge against the election results, the paths ahead remain fraught with uncertainty as Kavelashvili prepares to assume office in 15 days. His controversial stance towards the West, including allegations against Western intelligence regarding attempts to incite conflict with Russia, adds to the complexities of Georgia's political landscape.
Kavelashvili, 53, who once played for Manchester City, was the only candidate for the role. Notably, this election marks the first under a new electoral college system that replaced direct presidential elections seven years ago. Opposition parties refrained from participating, citing significant concerns over the integrity of the October elections, including allegations of vote buying and intimidation tactics.
The Georgian Dream party, which maintains a parliamentary majority and has shifted the country’s alignment away from the European Union towards closer ties with Russia and China, heavily backed Kavelashvili. His election sets the stage for a confrontation with the outgoing president, Salome Zourabichvili, who has pledged to remain in power until fresh elections take place. Zourabichvili, who was elected through the last popular vote, condemned the election as undemocratic, likening it to Soviet-era practices.
While the constitutional court has dismissed Zourabichvili's legal challenge against the election results, the paths ahead remain fraught with uncertainty as Kavelashvili prepares to assume office in 15 days. His controversial stance towards the West, including allegations against Western intelligence regarding attempts to incite conflict with Russia, adds to the complexities of Georgia's political landscape.
