Zourabichvili Refuses to Step Down as Georgia Inaugurates Kavelashvili Amid Mass Pro-EU Protests

Dec 29, 2024, 06:20 AM

Protests in Georgia have intensified as the country faces a political crisis over the inauguration of a new president. Salome Zourabichvili, the incumbent pro-Western president, has refused to step down at the end of her term, calling the appointment of her successor, Mikheil Kavelashvili, a "mockery of democracy." Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former Manchester City footballer and critic of the West, was inaugurated as president amidst widespread protests. Thousands of citizens formed "Chains of Unity," human chains connecting eight bridges across Tbilisi and stretching tens of kilometers, to demonstrate their support for European integration and demand the resumption of EU accession talks and new, fair parliamentary elections. The protests, now in their 31st day, have seen participation from various groups, including musicians, athletes, and the Georgian diaspora worldwide. The demonstrations were sparked by the government's suspension of EU accession talks until 2028, announced by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in November. The ruling Georgian Dream party, founded by U.S.-sanctioned oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, has been accused by protesters of being pro-Russian and hindering the country's path toward European Union membership. Ivanishvili attended the inauguration amid tight security. President Zourabichvili addressed supporters outside the presidential palace, asserting that she remains the only legitimate leader and vowed to continue fighting for democracy and European integration.