By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Mikheil Kavelashvili, a pro-Russia politician with strong anti-Western views, was elected Georgian president by a vote of 224 out of 225 electors. His election follows contested parliamentary elections and the Georgian Dream party’s decision to delay EU membership talks, sparking widespread protests. Incumbent President Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-Western figure, rejects the legitimacy of the election and refuses to step down, creating a constitutional crisis. International condemnation of the situation is mounting, with the EU and US expressing support for Georgia’s pro-democracy movement and imposing sanctions.
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Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, is poised to appoint Mikheil Kavelashvili, a far-right politician with strong pro-Russia sentiments, as the country’s new president. This appointment comes amidst a deepening constitutional crisis and widespread pro-EU protests, raising serious concerns about Georgia’s democratic trajectory and its relationship with the West.
The move is highly controversial, with the opposition vehemently denouncing it as illegitimate. They argue that the October parliamentary elections, which gave Georgian Dream its victory, were rigged, and that the current president, Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-Western figure, remains the country’s legitimate leader. Zourabichvili herself has refused to step down, further escalating the constitutional showdown.
This power struggle has been fueled by Georgian Dream’s recent decision to delay talks regarding European Union membership, a move that ignited another wave of massive protests. These demonstrations have been met with a harsh crackdown by authorities, involving tear gas, water cannons, arrests, and even allegations of torture, prompting international condemnation and sanctions from the United States.
The appointment of Kavelashvili, a former professional football player known for his anti-Western rhetoric and opposition to LGBTQ+ rights, further underscores the concerns surrounding Georgia’s increasingly authoritarian turn. His election, with almost unanimous support from the electoral college composed of MPs and local government representatives, has been described as a “parody” and devoid of legitimacy.
The situation raises questions about the extent of Russia’s influence in Georgian politics. While the specific reasons for Russia’s apparent meddling remain unclear, various theories are circulating, ranging from a desire to restore a Soviet-era sphere of influence to exploiting Georgia’s internal divisions to counter NATO expansion. Whatever the motives, the installation of a pro-Russia president significantly impacts Georgia’s geopolitical alignment and its aspirations for closer ties with Europe.
The ongoing protests, featuring thousands of demonstrators demanding new elections and expressing unwavering support for their European aspirations, represent a powerful counterforce to the Georgian Dream’s actions. However, the government’s forceful response, including arrests and allegations of human rights abuses, demonstrates a willingness to suppress dissent and consolidate power.
The international community’s reaction has been largely negative. Countries like France have expressed strong support for Georgia’s pro-EU movement, while the US has imposed visa sanctions on Georgian officials accused of undermining democracy. This international pressure, however, may not be enough to deter the Georgian Dream party from pursuing its agenda.
Ultimately, the appointment of Kavelashvili threatens to plunge Georgia into a protracted period of political instability. The constitutional crisis, coupled with the deep divisions between the pro-EU opposition and the pro-Russia ruling party, casts a long shadow over Georgia’s future. Whether the ongoing protests can force a reversal of this decision or whether the country will face a prolonged period of political repression remains to be seen. The potential for escalation and further conflict is undeniable. The situation mirrors similar events in other post-Soviet countries, highlighting the challenges faced by nations seeking to balance their sovereignty with the pressures of external influences.