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Mikheil Kavelashvili Sworn In as Georgia's President Amid Political Crisis and EU Application Freeze

Dec 29, 2024, 07:52 AM

Mikheil Kavelashvili, a hardline critic of the West and known for his ultraconservative views, was sworn in as Georgia's president on December 29, 2024. His inauguration comes amid a political crisis in the South Caucasus nation, following a controversial election held on December 14, 2024, which was boycotted by the opposition. The government has frozen European Union application talks, sparking widespread protests that began on December 28, including a human chain formed in Tbilisi. Approximately 2,000 demonstrators gathered outside the presidential palace during the ceremony, holding Georgian and EU flags. Salomé Zourabichvili, the outgoing president and a pro-EU figure, declared herself the 'only legitimate president' and vowed to continue fighting against the ruling Georgian Dream party, which has been accused of steering the country towards Moscow. Despite the largely symbolic nature of the presidency, Kavelashvili's election has intensified political tensions in Georgia.