Georgia’s political divisions deepened as former footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili was elected President on December 14 in a controversial process marked by allegations of illegitimacy and widespread protests. Securing 224 votes from the Georgian Dream (GD) legislature and local councilors, Kavelashvili’s election took place against the backdrop of public demonstrations outside Parliament, where protesters denounced the process as a “farce.”

Kavelashvili, the sole candidate for the presidency, was nominated on November 27 by Bidzina Ivanishvili, GD’s honorary chairman and unofficial patron. His nomination immediately drew criticism due to his lack of higher education and political experience, with opponents questioning his qualifications for the role. Ivanishvili defended the choice, asserting that Kavelashvili “best embodies the Georgian man.”

Known for his anti-Western rhetoric, particularly targeting the United States, Kavelashvili co-founded GD’s People’s Power faction. His divisive candidacy even prompted dissent within GD, with Ada Marshania, a representative of the Supreme Council of Abkhazia, openly criticizing the nomination. Marshania called for a more qualified candidate, warning of potential damage to both the party and the country.

Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili strongly condemned the election process, labeling it “illegitimate” and “unconstitutional.” In a fiery address, she described the election as “a travesty” and an affront to Georgia’s traditions and values. Zourabichvili reaffirmed her intention to remain in the country, asserting herself as “the only legitimate institution” left in Georgia.

Her criticism found support internationally, with Marko Mihkelson, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Estonian Parliament, backing Zourabichvili as Georgia’s legitimate leader.

The opposition accused GD of orchestrating a “constitutional coup” under Ivanishvili’s directive. Opposition leaders argued that the election undermines Georgia’s European integration goals and reiterated their recognition of Zourabichvili as the legitimate President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief, rejecting the current parliament as illegitimate.

Kavelashvili’s presidency, marred by controversy and protests, underscores the growing polarization in Georgian politics. Critics argue that his election risks further alienating Georgia from its European aspirations and consolidates Ivanishvili’s influence over the country’s governance.

As protests persist and international scrutiny intensifies, Georgia faces a critical test in balancing domestic political stability with its long-term foreign policy ambitions. The fallout from Kavelashvili’s election is expected to deepen the political crisis, potentially shaping the country’s trajectory for years to come.

Bidzina Ivanishvili, Honorary Chairman of the Georgian Dream, congratulated Kavelashvili, stating:

“I congratulate Mikheil Kavelashvili on his election as President of Georgia. I congratulate our country on a truly Georgian, patriotic, and worthy President. After today’s elections, the European-style Constitution of Georgia, which envisages a fully parliamentary system, has been fully implemented. After the inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili, artificial attempts to polarize, divide, and radicalize people in this country will end once and for all. I am confident that Mikheil Kavelashvili will be the president who returns this most important institution to the framework of the Constitution and, at the same time, plays a special role in the unification and peaceful coexistence of our society.”