Zourabichvili leaves the presidential palace The end of “Maidan” in Georgia?

The events in Georgia over the past year will serve as an example of how a small country, under unprecedented pressure from the United States and the European Union, can defend its national interests. On December 29, Mikheil Kavelashvili was inaugurated as Georgia’s new president in a ceremony at the parliament building. Meanwhile, Salome Zourabichvili, a former employee of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a figure seen as aligned with foreign interests, officially vacated the presidential residence.

The events of December 28 and 29 demonstrated that the pro-Western opposition in Georgia clearly lacks the internal resources for a "revolution" or an unconstitutional change of power. The majority of the Georgian population supports the Georgian Dream party. Even those who voted against it have largely come to terms with its continued hold on power.

Apart from activists and employees of pro-Western NGOs, it has become increasingly difficult for the opposition in Georgia to bring large numbers of protesters to the streets. The rally organised on December 28, dubbed the "Chain of Unity" across seven bridges in central Tbilisi, turned out to be rather lacklustre. Among the organisers were Salome Zourabichvili, Polish Member of the European Parliament Michał Wawrykiewicz, and Lithuanian MEP Dainius Žalimas.

One of the key factors undermining internal support for the pro-Western opposition has been its overreach in religious matters, crossing "red lines" that are deeply sensitive in Georgian society. During protests, opposition activists were involved in acts of hooliganism against Orthodox churches and clergy. The ancient Anchiskhati Church in Tbilisi was desecrated when it was pelted with eggs under the cover of night. Additionally, during the "Chain of Unity" event, the opposition displayed a banner with profane slogans directed at the authorities and "Russians," shockingly positioned against the backdrop of the historic Metekhi Church.

These actions sparked outrage among Orthodox Georgians. On social media, pro-European opposition figures were increasingly likened to godless Bolshevik revolutionaries, further eroding their credibility and support within the broader population.

At one of the opposition’s recent rallies, posters depicted the new president, Mikheil Kavelashvili, and Georgian Dream leader Bidzina Ivanishvili wearing Iranian Ayatollah-style headgear. These images were set against the flags of Iran and Hezbollah, alongside the Arabic Shahada. The latter caused outrage among Georgia’s Muslim community, further alienating a segment of the population the opposition could hardly afford to lose.

By the evening of December 28, it became clear that the pro-Western opposition was failing to create even the semblance of "nationwide support" for Salome Zourabichvili. Her ultimatum demanding the announcement of snap elections by December 29 was conveniently forgotten.

Zourabichvili spent her final night as president at the Orbeliani Palace, but by morning it was evident that neither the protest against Kavelashvili’s inauguration near the parliament nor the rally in support of Zourabichvili at the presidential residence could muster sufficient numbers. Ultimately, Zourabichvili addressed a modest gathering of her supporters, announcing that she was vacating the presidential residence.

"I will leave this place; I will come to you and stand with you… This building was a symbol as long as a legitimate president resided here. I am taking legitimacy with me. I am taking the flag with me. I am carrying your trust," declared Salome Zourabichvili as she vacated the presidential residence.

While the "Maidan" failure in Tbilisi seems definitive, it does not entirely eliminate the threat of destabilisation in Georgia. Powerful external forces remain determined to sow chaos in the country and the broader South Caucasus region. Adding to the concern is that Zourabichvili remains at large, free to move across Georgia. This leaves the door open for potential new provocations by the opposition, possibly at the regional level, even to the extent of inciting fresh separatist tensions.

In these circumstances, Georgia’s friendship and cooperation with Azerbaijan and Türkiye will play an increasingly pivotal role. Both nations unequivocally recognise the legitimacy of Georgia’s democratically elected government and firmly uphold the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Vladimir Tskhvediani, Georgia, for Caliber.Az