Georgian Protests Escalate as Political Crisis Deepens

As Georgia approaches a pivotal political moment, protesters form a human chain in Tbilisi, opposing the inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili, an ally of the ruling party. Current president Salome Zourabichvili rejects the legitimacy of his election, raising tensions further in a country facing allegations of democratic backsliding.

Thousands of protesters gathered in the capital city of Tbilisi, forming an extensive human chain as the country braces for a decisive political confrontation. The move comes just ahead of the inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former football star from Manchester City, who is poised to take the presidential oath on Sunday. Kavelashvili's affiliation with the ruling party, Georgian Dream, has prompted fierce opposition from the incumbent president, Salome Zourabichvili, who controversially labeled his election as illegitimate and refuses to vacate her position.

Georgian Dream, a political entity in power for over a decade, recently dominated parliamentary elections held in October. However, the results were shadowed by claims of electoral fraud and have spurred ongoing protests. The predominant opposition faction, which includes four key parties, has fully rejected Kavelashvili's legitimacy and opted to boycott parliamentary sessions. The uncertainty surrounding the political standoff remains, with tensions now palpable on the streets of Tbilisi.

Demonstrators waving Georgian and EU flags have articulated their protest, expressing a desire to liberate their nation from the influence of what they term the "Russian empire." Reports indicate a growing discontent among citizens towards Georgian Dream's increasingly authoritarian governance, including controversial laws mimicking those imposed by Russia, aimed at restricting media freedoms and targeting organizations that receive foreign funds.

Despite a constitutional commitment to EU membership, the government recently announced a postponement of EU accession discussions until 2028, which sparked further unrest, leading to confrontations with police who resorted to tear gas and water cannons. In recent developments, the United States imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, the billionaire founder of Georgian Dream and a former prime minister, following heightened scrutiny of the party’s actions.

The political structure in Georgia distinguishes between the roles of president and prime minister, with Zourabichvili currently serving as the head of state. The recent election process, conducted through an electoral college with Kavelashvili as the sole candidate, has been criticized for lacking democratic integrity. Zourabichvili herself, who was elected in 2018 with the backing of Georgian Dream, has condemned the party's recent electoral practices as manipulative and has voiced her support for ongoing pro-EU demonstrations. As tensions rise, the potential for a significant political showdown looms ahead, with Zourabichvili preparing to remain in office, despite government warnings of legal repercussions.