Georgian PM hails Kavelashvili's election as historic, Zourabichvili rejects results

The election of Mikheil Kavelashvili as Georgia's sixth president will help reduce polarization in the country and provide Georgia with a patriotic leader, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated.

On December 14, the Electoral College elected Kavelashvili as Georgia's sixth president, with his inauguration scheduled for December 29, according to Caliber.Az, citing Sputnik Georgia.

"I am confident that Mikheil Kavelashvili's election to this crucial position will make a significant contribution to strengthening Georgian statehood and our sovereignty, as well as eliminating radicalism and reducing polarization," Kobakhidze said.

He described Kavelashvili's presidency as a turning point in Georgia's history.

"For over two decades, Georgia has lacked a patriotic and mentally, psychologically balanced president. In this regard, Mikheil Kavelashvili’s presidency will mark a transformative moment for our country," Kobakhidze added.

Under Kavelashvili's leadership, the presidency will return to its constitutional mission and dignity, the prime minister said. "I wish Mikheil Kavelashvili success in his role as President of Georgia," Kobakhidze concluded.

Meanwhile, the opposition, along with their allies, including President Salome Zourabichvili and several non-governmental organizations, are demanding new parliamentary elections. They claim the authorities rigged the October 26 elections, subsequently suspended EU integration, and have since cracked down harshly on dissent. The opposition refuses to recognize the presidential election results.

Zourabichvili, for her part, did not recognize the presidential elections held in the country and stressed that “no one has chosen anyone”.

She has even refused to vacate the presidential residence – the Orbeliani Palace in central Tbilisi. "We’ll see who leaves," the president wrote on social media.

Zourabichvili insists that until the government is replaced through new parliamentary elections, she remains the sole legitimate representative of power in the country.

“No one elected anyone. Nothing happened,” she said in an address to citizens.

To recap, Zourabichvili became president of Georgia in 2018. Elections for the country's new president began on December 14. The victory in the election was secured by Mikheil Kavelashvili, a ruling Georgian Dream party member, who was the only candidate for the post. His inauguration is scheduled for December 29.

By Khagan Isayev