Mikheil Kavelashvili Elected President of Georgia Amid Protests
Mikheil Kavelashvili has been elected the sixth President of Georgia, receiving 224 votes out of 300 from the Electoral College in an election marked by protests and political tensions. The voting, conducted in the Georgian parliament, saw only one candidate—Kavelashvili, nominated by the ruling party, "Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia."
The opposition, led by current President Salome Zurabishvili, has rejected the legitimacy of the election, labeling the parliament and government as unconstitutional. Protests erupted outside the parliament building during the vote, with demonstrators blocking streets and calling for new parliamentary elections. The parliament was heavily guarded by police amid the unrest.
A Symbolic Presidency
The role of the Georgian president is largely symbolic, with limited powers such as issuing pardons and vetoing laws. International representation by the president now requires government approval, following constitutional amendments that transitioned Georgia into a parliamentary republic in 2018.
Ongoing Protests
Protests in Georgia have persisted since late November, fueled by the government’s decision to delay EU accession negotiations until 2028. Demonstrators have accused the authorities of undermining Georgia’s European integration efforts. While initially marked by violent clashes, recent protests have become more subdued but remain widespread, with opposition groups and activists maintaining their stance against the ruling party.
Kavelashvili’s inauguration is set for December 29, but tensions continue to simmer. Outgoing President Salome Zurabishvili has refused to vacate the Orbeliani Palace, claiming she remains the country’s only legitimate representative until new parliamentary elections are held.
The political crisis raises questions about Georgia's democratic future and its path toward European integration, as protests and opposition to the ruling government show no signs of abating.
The European Union has made a key decision impacting Georgia's diplomatic relations, introducing changes to previously established agreements. While discussions continue among member states, challenges remain in achieving consensus on broader measures tied to human rights and governance concerns.
The Georgian parliamentary elections are underway under heightened security measures
Pro-EU demonstrations in Georgia have entered their ninth day, with hundreds gathering outside the parliament in Tbilisi to protest the government’s suspension of EU membership talks.
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The French overseas territory of Mayotte is grappling with widespread destruction in the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, described as the strongest storm to hit the archipelago in over 90 years. Striking over the weekend, the cyclone raised concerns about disaster preparedness and response efforts.
The UN has called for an inclusive political transition in Syria, stressing that progress in this area is critical for securing the economic aid needed to rebuild the war-torn country. UN special envoy Geir Pedersen emphasized that inclusive political transition in Syria is crucial.
Luigi Mangione, 26, was indicted for the murder of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson, charged with first-degree murder and terrorism. Prosecutors say the killing was a planned act to "sow terror," sparking outrage over healthcare costs and access in the U.S.
Israeli troops intensified operations in the U.N.-monitored buffer zone between Syria and the Golan Heights, responding to ongoing security threats and strategic changes following the recent ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
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The French overseas territory of Mayotte is grappling with widespread destruction in the aftermath of Cyclone Chido, described as the strongest storm to hit the archipelago in over 90 years. Striking over the weekend, the cyclone raised concerns about disaster preparedness and response efforts.
The UN has called for an inclusive political transition in Syria, stressing that progress in this area is critical for securing the economic aid needed to rebuild the war-torn country. UN special envoy Geir Pedersen emphasized that inclusive political transition in Syria is crucial.
Luigi Mangione, 26, was indicted for the murder of UnitedHealth Group executive Brian Thompson, charged with first-degree murder and terrorism. Prosecutors say the killing was a planned act to "sow terror," sparking outrage over healthcare costs and access in the U.S.
Israeli troops intensified operations in the U.N.-monitored buffer zone between Syria and the Golan Heights, responding to ongoing security threats and strategic changes following the recent ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Venezuela launches underwater coral farms in a groundbreaking effort to combat climate change and restore marine ecosystems affected by global warming, acidification, and disease.
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