Former Footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili Appointed as President of Georgia
World
Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former footballer and a representative of the ruling Georgian Dream party, has been appointed as the new President of Georgia. Some Georgian media outlets have described him as a pro-Russian politician.
Kavelashvili’s appointment sparked protests, with demonstrators gathering in front of the parliament building in Tbilisi early in the morning. The building was surrounded by police.
In Georgia, the president is no longer elected directly by citizens. According to constitutional amendments adopted in 2017, the head of state is chosen by a special college of 300 members, consisting of MPs and local politicians. The opposition boycotted the vote, refusing to recognize the results of parliamentary elections and accusing the ruling party of electoral fraud.
The situation in Georgia remains tense: since late November, daily protests have been held against the pro-Russian policies of the Georgian Dream party. These protests often result in clashes with the police. In response, the government has banned the use of masks at rallies and fireworks.
Pro-European protests intensified after the Georgian authorities postponed negotiations on joining the EU until 2028. More demonstrations are planned for today.
The current president, Salome Zurabishvili, whose term is coming to an end, has announced that she does not intend to leave her post or transfer her powers to Kavelashvili.
In Georgia, the president is no longer elected directly by citizens. According to constitutional amendments adopted in 2017, the head of state is chosen by a special college of 300 members, consisting of MPs and local politicians. The opposition boycotted the vote, refusing to recognize the results of parliamentary elections and accusing the ruling party of electoral fraud.
The situation in Georgia remains tense: since late November, daily protests have been held against the pro-Russian policies of the Georgian Dream party. These protests often result in clashes with the police. In response, the government has banned the use of masks at rallies and fireworks.
Pro-European protests intensified after the Georgian authorities postponed negotiations on joining the EU until 2028. More demonstrations are planned for today.
The current president, Salome Zurabishvili, whose term is coming to an end, has announced that she does not intend to leave her post or transfer her powers to Kavelashvili.
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