Georgia’s outgoing president refuses to step down despite swearing-in of successor

Georgia’s outgoing president, Salome Zourabichvili, has refused to step down, declaring herself the “only legitimate president” despite the swearing-in of her successor, Mikheil Kavelashvili, in Tbilisi. 

Kavelashvili, a former pro-footballer and ally of the ruling Georgian Dream party, took office amid political turmoil following the suspension of the country’s EU accession bid and allegations of electoral fraud.

Zourabichvili, addressing protesters outside the presidential palace, announced she would vacate the building but insisted that her successor’s presidency was illegitimate. “This building was a symbol only as long as a legitimate president was sitting here,” she said.

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Kavelashvili was sworn in privately in parliament, with Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze in attendance, and delivered a speech focusing on Georgian traditions, values, and peace. 

“Our history clearly shows that, after countless struggles to defend our homeland and traditions, peace has always been one of the main goals and values for the Georgian people,” he stated.

Despite Kavelashvili’s inauguration, Georgia’s four main opposition groups have rejected his presidency and boycotted parliament. Zourabichvili herself had previously denounced the election as a “travesty” and condemned the Georgian Dream party for its increasing authoritarianism. 

According to BBC, the party’s victory in the October parliamentary elections was marred by accusations of fraud, sparking street protests that have continued in recent weeks.

The ruling party has faced growing criticism for passing laws resembling those in Russia, targeting media outlets, foreign-funded NGOs, and the LGBT community. 

Also, Georgian Dream’s refusal to align with Western sanctions on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine has raised concerns about the country’s political direction.

Although Zourabichvili was originally endorsed by Georgian Dream when she took office in 2018, she has since become one of the government’s fiercest critics, particularly regarding its handling of the EU accession issue and its approach to Russia.