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Ex-Soccer Star Kavelashvili Elected Georgia’s President Amid EU Backlash

Georgia presidential election/ Mikheil Kavelashvili/ Georgian Dream party/ EU integration/ protests in Tbilisi/ TBILISI/ Georgia/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Former soccer player Mikheil Kavelashvili was elected Georgia’s president in a single-candidate vote, further consolidating power for the ruling Georgian Dream party. Opposition leaders claim the election undermines Georgia’s EU aspirations and strengthens Russian influence, fueling mass protests and international condemnation.

FILE – Police shoot tear gas towards demonstrators during a protest against the government’s decision to suspend negotiations on joining the European Union in Tbilisi, Georgia, early Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov, File)

Mikheil Kavelashvili Elected: Quick Looks

  • Ruling Party Victory: Kavelashvili, 53, was elected unopposed by Georgian Dream’s controlled electoral college.
  • EU Setback: Critics say his election and the suspension of EU talks deepen Georgia’s ties with Russia.
  • Opposition Protests: Demonstrators decry election as illegitimate; police crackdowns on protests draw international criticism.
  • Outgoing President Speaks: Salome Zourabichvili calls the vote unconstitutional and vows to remain Georgia’s legitimate leader.
  • Controversial Candidate: Kavelashvili authored a “foreign influence” law likened to Russian legislation targeting NGOs.

Ex-Soccer Star Kavelashvili Elected Georgia’s President Amid EU Backlash

Deep Look

Kavelashvili Becomes Georgia’s President

Former soccer star Mikheil Kavelashvili was elected Georgia’s president on Saturday in a controversial single-candidate vote. Backed by the ruling Georgian Dream party, Kavelashvili replaces Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-Western leader who opposed the government’s increasingly authoritarian direction.

Kavelashvili’s victory was assured by a 300-member electoral college controlled by Georgian Dream. The move follows the party’s October election win, which the opposition claims was rigged with Moscow’s support. Critics see Kavelashvili’s presidency as a step backward for Georgia’s EU aspirations and a win for Russia’s influence in the South Caucasus.

EU Aspirations in Limbo

Kavelashvili’s election comes amid growing concerns about Georgia’s European integration. Last month, Georgian Dream suspended EU accession talks, sparking mass protests. Critics accuse the ruling party of prioritizing ties with Moscow over democratic reforms.

In 2023, the EU granted Georgia candidate status conditional on fulfilling key recommendations. However, the controversial “foreign influence” law, co-authored by Kavelashvili, led to financial support cuts and stalled progress toward membership.

Outgoing President’s Defiance

Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili, a vocal critic of Georgian Dream, declared the election illegitimate and vowed to remain in office.

“There is no legitimate Parliament and thus no legitimate election or inauguration,” she stated.

Zourabichvili, whose term ends Monday, has called for new elections to ensure a democratic process.

“Georgia has always resisted Russian influence and will not accept having its destiny stolen,” she told the Associated Press.

Protests and Crackdowns

Since the government suspended EU talks in November, nightly protests have gripped Tbilisi. Thousands of demonstrators have rallied outside Parliament, accusing the ruling party of undermining democracy.

Riot police have used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters, resulting in over 100 injuries and hundreds of arrests. Journalists have reported violence against media workers, alleging government involvement, though Georgian Dream denies the claims.

“The new president is controlled by a puppet government tied to Putin,” said protester Sandro Samkharadze. Another demonstrator held a sign reading, “We are children of Europe.”

Kavelashvili’s Controversial Profile

Kavelashvili, a former Premier League striker, entered politics in 2016 under the Georgian Dream banner. In 2022, he co-founded the People’s Power movement, known for its anti-Western rhetoric.

His authorship of the “foreign influence” law, requiring NGOs receiving over 20% of funding from abroad to register as foreign agents, drew sharp criticism for echoing Russian tactics to suppress dissent.

Opposition leaders mock Kavelashvili for his lack of higher education, with protesters kicking soccer balls outside Parliament during Saturday’s vote.

International Reactions

The United States and European Union have condemned the election and crackdown on protests. U.S. Ambassador Philip Goldberg reaffirmed support for Georgia’s democracy, urging the government to honor its citizens’ will.

What’s Next?

With Kavelashvili in office and the opposition refusing to recognize his presidency, Georgia faces mounting domestic unrest and strained international relations. Protests are expected to continue as demonstrators demand new elections and a recommitment to EU integration.

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