Mikheil Kavelashvili Sworn in as New President of Georgia, Political Situation Heats Up

Mikheil Kavelashvili Sworn in as New President of Georgia, Political Situation Heats Up

Tbilisi, December 29, 2024: Mikheil Kavelashvili, a staunch critic of the West, has sworn in as the new President of Georgia. On Sunday, he took the presidential oath, amid a heated political situation in the country following the government's suspension of talks for European Union membership, which has sparked large protests.

Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-EU opponent of the ruling party, said in a speech, "I am leaving the presidential residence, but Kavelashvili is not a legitimate president," referring to the largely ceremonial position. She made this statement to her supporters outside the presidential palace.

Kavelashvili, who supported the suspension of talks with the European Union, is known for his strong criticism of the West and his support for the current government's policies.