In a move that has sent shockwaves across the nation, Georgian lawmakers elected Mikheil Kavelashvili as president. Known for his staunch anti-Western stance, Kavelashvili’s appointment signals a marked departure from Georgia’s long-standing aspiration to join the European Union. Protests erupted outside the parliament building as the vote was cast, with many citizens voicing their outrage over what they see as a betrayal of Georgia’s pro-European identity.
Kavelashvili, a former soccer player and vocal critic of Western influence, was elected almost unanimously in a process boycotted by opposition parties. His political rhetoric often mirrors the narrative of neighboring Russia, blaming Western nations for attempting to manipulate Georgia into conflict. His rise to power comes at a time of deep political fractures, following the ruling Georgian Dream party’s decision to freeze EU accession talks until 2028. For many, this decision represents a pivot back toward Georgia’s Soviet past.
Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili has criticized the election, calling it a “mockery of democracy” and refusing to step down. As protests against Kavelashvili’s presidency intensify, opposition leaders have rallied behind Zourabichvili, vowing to recognize her as the legitimate leader. The protests, often met with police force, underscore the tension between a population eager to align with Europe and a government steering the nation closer to authoritarianism.
For the LGBTQ community in Georgia, these developments are particularly alarming. Recent legislation targeting LGBTQ rights, inspired by Russian policies, has stoked fears of further marginalization and state-sanctioned discrimination. Activists warn that Kavelashvili’s presidency could embolden anti-LGBTQ sentiment, endangering years of hard-won progress in civil rights.
Georgia’s future remains uncertain as protests continue to dominate the streets. While Kavelashvili prepares for his inauguration, the voices of dissent growing louder may force a reckoning over the country’s identity and direction.
