3 days ago
18
December 29, 2024 | 09:42 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Mikheil Kavelashvili was sworn in as Georgia's new president on Sunday, December 29, 2024, amid a political crisis after the government decided to temporarily suspend talks to apply for membership of the European Union, sparking protests. Kavelashvili replaces President Salome Zourabichvili, who is known to be pro-EU.
Before leaving the presidential palace, Zourabichvili said goodbye to her supporters who had gathered in front of her official residence. She had said that Kavelashvili did not have the legitimacy as president so that her swearing-in was merely ceremonial.
"I will come out and join you. I bring legitimacy with me. I bring the flag with me. I bring your trust," Zourabichvili said before leaving the Georgian presidential palace.
According to Zourabichvili, Kavelashvili was not elected legitimately because the members of parliament who elected him were elected in the October 2024 elections, with full fraud. Georgia's opposition supports Zourabichvili.
Georgia's ruling People's Dream Party and the Election Commission have said the October 2024 election was free and fair. The People's Dream Party said Kavelashvili was the legitimately elected president.
Georgia, a country of 3.7 million people, is still considered a pro-Western, democratic former Soviet republic. Kavelashvili is a loyalist to Bidzina Ivanishvili, a billionaire former prime minister of Georgia who is now seen as Georgia's de facto leader.
On Friday, December 27, 2024, the United States imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili, saying he had spread anti-Western sentiment among Georgians and wanted to turn Georgia into a pro-Russian state.
Kavelashvili is a former professional soccer player who played for Manchester City. He has repeatedly accused Western intelligence agencies of encouraging Georgia to go to war with Russia.
“Georgians understand that peace is the main prerequisite for survival and progress,” Kavelashvili said after being sworn in as president on Sunday, December 29, 2024. Protests erupted outside the parliament building, with demonstrators holding up red cards to mock Kavelashvili’s career as an athlete.
Source: Reuters
Editor's Choice: Former Manchester City Footballer Elected President of Georgia
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Again, Yoon Suk Yeol Does Not Fulfil Summons of South Korean Authorities Wanting Interrogation
4 hari lalu
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, did not answer the summons of authorities who want to interrogate him.
Prabowo Invites Corruptors to Return Stolen Money Without Being Caught
10 hari lalu
Prabowo will open a space for corruptors to return stolen money without the public knowing.
Italy Grants Citizenship to Argentine President, Sparking Public Outrage
14 hari lalu
The government of Italy has granted Argentine President Javier Milei citizenship based on his Italian heritage, sparking outrage across the country.
Former Manchester City Footballer Elected President of Georgia
14 hari lalu
Georgian lawmakers have elected former Manchester City footballer Mikhail Kavelashvili as the country's new president.
South Korean Opposition Plans to Impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol, How?
18 hari lalu
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol continues to attract public attention after announcing a military emergency.
Three Causes of the Downfall of Syrian President Bashar al Assad
19 hari lalu
Syrian President, Bashar Al Assad, was overthrown by rebel forces in less than two weeks. What caused it?
What is Happening in Syria? How did Bashar al Assad Fall?
20 hari lalu
On Sunday, opposition forces declared Syria had been liberated from the rule of President Bashar al Assad as opposition forces stormed the capital.
South Korea Ex-Defense Minister Arrested over President Yoon's Martial Law
21 hari lalu
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's former defense minister was arrested over his role in Yoon's declaration of martial law last week.
Yoon Suk Yeol, His Profile and Series of Controversies that Reduced His Popularity
25 hari lalu
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declares a martal law, a move considered wrong by his own party.
South Korean Citizens Demand Arrest of President After Declaring Martial Law
25 hari lalu
Hundreds of South Korean citizens, who protested the martial law, demanded the arrest of President Yoon Suk Yeol in front of the parliament building.
