Mikheil Kavelashvili has been elected as the sixth President of Georgia with 224 votes out of 300, amid ongoing protests and controversy over the legitimacy of the elections.
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.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze is in Hungary for high-level meetings focused on expanding bilateral engagement. The visit includes talks with Hungarian leaders and is expected to pave the way for new agreements across several key sectors.
Georgia has launched its first modern dry port near Tbilisi, aiming to become a vital logistics and trade hub linking the Caucasus and Central Asia.
The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, one of the most trusted branches of American defense analysis, has released its annual global threat assessment — and Georgia is firmly on its radar.
Georgia celebrated its 107th Independence Day on May 26 with patriotic festivities in Tbilisi, featuring military parades, aerial demonstrations, and speeches by top officials to honor the nation’s independence.
An exhibition of Azerbaijani and Turkmen carpets and handicrafts has opened in Tbilisi, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and centuries-old weaving traditions of both nations.
Israel’s military has announced that SEPAH General Ali Shadmani, head of Iran’s “Khatam al-Anbiya” central command headquarters, was killed in an airstrike on Tehran.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to visit China this week to strengthen trade ties and attract tourists and students, while also addressing complex security and defence issues.
Central banks around the world expect their gold holdings as a proportion of their reserves to increase over the next five years while expecting their dollar reserves to be lower, a survey by the World Gold Council (WGC) showed.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu has arrived in Pyongyang "on special instructions" from President Vladimir Putin. During his visit, he is expected to hold talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to the Russian Security Council.
A major wave of Russian drones and missiles struck Kyiv early Tuesday, killing 14 people, including a U.S. citizen, and injuring dozens as the capital faced one of the largest attacks since the war began.
Pakistan will begin its first freight train service to Russia from Lahore on June 22. The route is part of the INSTC and aims to connect Pakistan's rail network with Central Asia, establishing a new trade corridor via Iran, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan.
Israeli strikes have reportedly targeted areas near the residences of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to the New York Times, citing local witnesses.
Peace is no longer a dream. It is a discussion. On the streets of Baku and Yerevan, it is also a question, of trust, of foreign interests, and of who truly wants it.
Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has cancelled certain flights scheduled for 13th and 14th June amid recent escalation of situation in the Middle East and the closure of airspace in several countries for security reasons.
The Israeli military has issued an evacuation advisory for Iranian civilians living near weapons production sites and associated infrastructure within Iran. The message was shared on the social media platform X in both Arabic and Farsi by an official military spokesperson.
Israel’s military has announced that SEPAH General Ali Shadmani, head of Iran’s “Khatam al-Anbiya” central command headquarters, was killed in an airstrike on Tehran.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to visit China this week to strengthen trade ties and attract tourists and students, while also addressing complex security and defence issues.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu has arrived in Pyongyang "on special instructions" from President Vladimir Putin. During his visit, he is expected to hold talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to the Russian Security Council.
A major wave of Russian drones and missiles struck Kyiv early Tuesday, killing 14 people, including a U.S. citizen, and injuring dozens as the capital faced one of the largest attacks since the war began.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 17th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Israel’s military has announced that SEPAH General Ali Shadmani, head of Iran’s “Khatam al-Anbiya” central command headquarters, was killed in an airstrike on Tehran.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is set to visit China this week to strengthen trade ties and attract tourists and students, while also addressing complex security and defence issues.
Central banks around the world expect their gold holdings as a proportion of their reserves to increase over the next five years while expecting their dollar reserves to be lower, a survey by the World Gold Council (WGC) showed.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu has arrived in Pyongyang "on special instructions" from President Vladimir Putin. During his visit, he is expected to hold talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to the Russian Security Council.
A major wave of Russian drones and missiles struck Kyiv early Tuesday, killing 14 people, including a U.S. citizen, and injuring dozens as the capital faced one of the largest attacks since the war began.
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