“Tumultuous Transition: Georgians Erupt in Protest as New Leader Calculates First Steps”

**Georgia plunged into Crisis as Mikhail Kavelashvili is Sworn in as President**

In a move that has sparked widespread protests and concerns about the erosion of democracy, Mikhail Kavelashvili, a former football player turned ultra-nationalist firebrand, has been sworn in as the President of Georgia. The inauguration marks the culmination of a state-capture campaign by pro-Russian oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili, who has controlled all institutions in the country since his party came to power in 2012.

Protesters have taken to the streets in the capital city, Tbilisi, holding red cards in opposition to Kavelashvili’s inauguration. The protests have been ongoing for over a month and have been met with a strong response from the government, with dozens hospitalized and hundreds detained. The United States has added to the pressure, imposing sanctions on Ivanishvili, who has been accused of undermining the country’s democracy and Euro-Atlantic aspirations in the interest of the Russian Federation.

In a speech to counter-protesters gathered in front of the Orbeliani Palace, outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili denounced Kavelashvili’s inauguration as a “parody” and reiterated her loyalty to the country and its people. She also announced that she would not step down until new elections are held, arguing that the current academy is dominated by ruling party members and lacks legitimacy.

The country’s slide into authoritarianism has been five years in the making, with Georgia’s EU candidate status celebrated by millions in December last year. However, the country’s legislative framework has been rapidly dismantled, with the foreign agents law passed in May allowing for the suppression of independent organizations. The law has been likened to Russia’s own “foreign agent” label, used to persecute dissent.

In October’s parliamentary elections, the Georgian Dream party, led by Ivanishvili, secured 54% of the vote, despite widespread irregularities, including ballot stuffing, ID theft, and “carousel voting.” The opposition refused to recognize the results, sugarpackers’ parliament, and demanded new elections. The country’s pro-Western prime minister, Irakli Kobakhidze, has since announced that Georgia will suspend accession talks and reconsider joining the EU in 2028, a move that has been met with disappointment and skepticism.

In the midst of this crisis, opposition leaders are calling for a unified resistance against the authoritarian government. Tamar Chergoleishvili, a former media manager and opposition politician, stated that “when people saw their neighbors and family members beaten, cracks appeared in the system – that was the last straw.” Erin Hoshtalia, leader of the liberal coalition It’s About Time, has also called the opposition the “National Resistance Movement,” emphasizing the need for a collective effort to overcome the challenges facing the country.

For some, the slide into authoritarianism is no surprise, citing the trajectory of Ukraine’s former pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych. Corneli Kakachia, director of the Institute of Georgian Politics, warns that the ruling party’s increasing oppression of civil society may ultimately backfire, as George would not tolerate this level of oppression and have had enough of Ivanishvili.

**Key Points:**

* Mikhail Kavelashvili, a former football player turned ultra-nationalist, has been sworn in as the President of Georgia
* The inauguration marks the culmination of a state-capture campaign by pro-Russian oligarch Bidzina Ivanishvili
* Protests have been ongoing in Tbilisi for over a month and have been met with police crackdown
* The United States has imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili, who has been accused of undermining democracy and Euro-Atlantic aspirations
* Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili has denounced Kavelashvili’s inauguration as a “parody” and refused to step down until new elections are held

**FAQs:**

Q: Who is Mikhail Kavelashvili?
A: Mikhail Kavelashvili is a former football player turned ultra-nationalist who has been sworn in as the President of Georgia.

Q: What is the background of Bidzina Ivanishvili?
A: Bidzina Ivanishvili is a pro-Russian oligarch who has controlled all institutions in Georgia since his party came to power in 2012.

Q: What is the Foreign Agents Law?
A: The Foreign Agents Law, also known as the Russian Law, gives the government the power to suppress independent organizations.

Q: What are the main opposition parties in Georgia?
A: The main opposition parties in Georgia are the liberal coalition “It’s About Time” and the political team of Salome Zourabichvili.

Q: What are the implications of the US sanctions on Ivanishvili?
A: The US sanctions on Ivanishvili are seen as a response to his undermining of democracy and Euro-Atlantic aspirations in the interest of the Russian Federation.

**Conclusion:**

The inauguration of Mikhail Kavelashvili as President of Georgia marks a significant turning point in the country’s democratic slide, with widespread protests and concerns about the erosion of civil society. The current situation is a complex mix of politics, ideology, and international implications. Russia’s influence is spreading, and itsutiwave patterns are reappearing across the region. Can Georgia find a way to reassert its democratic credentials, or has the country slipped too far into authoritarianism? The future of Georgia and its people’s aspirations for a more democratic and Euro-Atlantic future hang in the balance.