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 hosted his Armenian counterpart, Nikol Pashinyan, during his visit to Tbilisi, as both leaders underscored the strategic partnership and positive trajectory in bilateral relations between their countries.
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The Swedish Government has instructed Sida, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, to stop all cooperation with Georgia in response to "the serious deterioration of the democratic situation" in the country.
Bone fragments believed to date back to the Middle Ages were found in Eyvazkhanbayli village of Aghdam district, according to the local prosecutor’s office.
Diplomatic relations between Russia and Moldova have come under renewed focus following recent developments involving the two countries' embassies. The situation reflects ongoing complexities in bilateral engagement and the importance both sides place on diplomatic protocol and international norms.
China has hit back at Washington with a new wave of tariffs and export restrictions, escalating trade tensions as it targets key U.S. imports and rare-earth materials critical to advanced industries.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) adopted a human rights resolution on Belarus, calling for freezing and confiscating the assets and properties owned by President Aleksandr Lukashenko and his inner circle abroad, in order to reallocate them to support victims of repression.
Russia’s special envoy for foreign investment and economic cooperation, Kirill Dmitriev, announced on Thursday that Moscow and Washington made “three steps forward” over the past two days in a series of high-level discussions aimed at mending ties.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
Türkiye is committed to advancing the Southern Gas Corridor and supporting regional cooperation on green energy, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said.
Diplomatic relations between Russia and Moldova have come under renewed focus following recent developments involving the two countries' embassies. The situation reflects ongoing complexities in bilateral engagement and the importance both sides place on diplomatic protocol and international norms.
China has hit back at Washington with a new wave of tariffs and export restrictions, escalating trade tensions as it targets key U.S. imports and rare-earth materials critical to advanced industries.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) adopted a human rights resolution on Belarus, calling for freezing and confiscating the assets and properties owned by President Aleksandr Lukashenko and his inner circle abroad, in order to reallocate them to support victims of repression.
Russia’s special envoy for foreign investment and economic cooperation, Kirill Dmitriev, announced on Thursday that Moscow and Washington made “three steps forward” over the past two days in a series of high-level discussions aimed at mending ties.
Bone fragments believed to date back to the Middle Ages were found in Eyvazkhanbayli village of Aghdam district, according to the local prosecutor’s office.
Diplomatic relations between Russia and Moldova have come under renewed focus following recent developments involving the two countries' embassies. The situation reflects ongoing complexities in bilateral engagement and the importance both sides place on diplomatic protocol and international norms.
China has hit back at Washington with a new wave of tariffs and export restrictions, escalating trade tensions as it targets key U.S. imports and rare-earth materials critical to advanced industries.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) adopted a human rights resolution on Belarus, calling for freezing and confiscating the assets and properties owned by President Aleksandr Lukashenko and his inner circle abroad, in order to reallocate them to support victims of repression.
Russia’s special envoy for foreign investment and economic cooperation, Kirill Dmitriev, announced on Thursday that Moscow and Washington made “three steps forward” over the past two days in a series of high-level discussions aimed at mending ties.
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