Ex-Footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili Sworn in as Georgian President Amid Political Turmoil

Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former Manchester City striker and celebrated footballer, has been sworn in as the new president of Georgia, sparking widespread protests and political unrest. Kavelashvili, 53, secured the presidency through the ruling Georgian Dream party, which controls the country’s electoral college. His inauguration follows a controversial election mired in accusations of fraud and corruption.

Outgoing pro-Western President Salome Zourabichvili has refused to recognize Kavelashvili’s appointment, calling it a "parody." Addressing supporters outside Tbilisi’s Orbeliani Palace, she vowed to vacate the presidential residence but asserted her legitimacy. “This palace was a symbol as long as a legitimate president resided here. I carry that legitimacy with me,” Zourabichvili declared, amid growing anti-government demonstrations.

Kavelashvili’s election has deepened the political divide in Georgia. The presidency, a largely ceremonial role, was previously filled via direct elections until reforms in 2017 handed control to an electoral college. Opposition groups, boycotting parliament, claim the process was rigged with alleged Russian interference. Demonstrators draped in EU flags have filled Tbilisi’s streets, demanding new elections and decrying the government’s apparent drift toward Moscow’s influence.

Kavelashvili, a member of the anti-Western People’s Power party, has stirred controversy with his support for laws requiring organizations receiving foreign funding to register as “foreign agents,” a move critics liken to Russian-style legislation used to stifle dissent. He has also voiced strong anti-Western sentiments, accusing opposition groups of serving foreign interests.

In his inaugural speech, Kavelashvili called for unity, saying he would be “everyone’s president,” regardless of political affiliation. However, his alignment with Georgian Dream, a party founded by billionaire and former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, has drawn criticism for democratic backsliding and increased authoritarianism.

Kavelashvili’s rise from football to politics has been remarkable. Beginning his career at Dinamo Tbilisi in 1989, he achieved success in Russia with Spartak Vladikavkaz, winning the Russian Premier League in 1995. After a brief but impactful stint at Manchester City, where he scored in a memorable Manchester derby, Kavelashvili played across Europe, including in Switzerland, where he won the Swiss Super League with Grasshoppers.

Despite his celebrated football career, his political trajectory has been fraught with controversy. Kavelashvili entered politics after being disqualified from leading Georgia’s football federation for lacking qualifications. His current presidency, underpinned by contested elections, has provoked widespread protests, with demonstrators condemning the government’s crackdown on dissent and perceived alignment with Moscow.

The European Union and the United States have criticized Georgia for democratic backsliding. Sanctions and visa restrictions have been imposed on Georgian officials, with further measures under consideration. Amid mounting unrest, Kavelashvili’s presidency begins under a cloud of division, with protesters vowing to continue their fight for democratic principles and closer ties with the West.

Featured Image Credit: Pexels / Genadi Yakovlev, Unsplash / Sergei Marchenko