Georgia Faces Political Turmoil as Contested President Takes Office

Mikheil Kavelashvili's inauguration follows disputed elections, mass protests, and accusations of democratic backsliding.

Mikheil Kavelashvili, a far-right former footballer and ruling party loyalist, is set to be sworn in as Georgia's president in a closed-door ceremony, the first of its kind in the country's history.
Outgoing President Salome Zurabishvili has refused to step down, calling for fresh parliamentary elections and declaring the new government and president-elect illegitimate.
Mass protests have erupted daily since Georgian Dream's decision to delay EU accession talks until 2028, with demonstrators accusing the government of a pro-Russian shift and repression of democratic values.
International condemnation has grown, with the United States and European nations imposing sanctions on Georgian Dream officials and its de facto leader, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, for undermining democracy.
The political crisis has deepened divisions between pro-EU protesters, who view Zurabishvili as a symbol of European aspirations, and a government accused of adopting Kremlin-style policies.