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.
Optimism grew on Thursday that the war in the Middle East may be near an end, with a key Pakistani me...
Israel has fired into Lebanon. U.S. President Donald Trump says talks between Israel and Lebanon will take place "today". He wrote o...
The U.S. and Iran could resume peace talks over the next couple of days, U.S. President Donald Trump has said. Talks between Israel and Lebanon wer...
Kazakhstan and Türkiye are intensifying efforts to expand economic cooperation, setting a target to increase bilateral trade to $15 billi...
Kuwaiti authorities have detained U.S.-Kuwaiti journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, who has not been seen for six weeks, according to a media watchdog, a...
A vast undersea power link across the Black Sea is gaining momentum, strengthening Georgia’s ambitions to become a key energy bridge between East and West.
A shift in regional trade dynamics is taking shape in the South Caucasus, as Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan outlines current and future transport routes for Armenian goods.
Every year, 9 April brings Georgia to a standstill. It is a day of grief, pride and reflection, as the nation remembers those who died for freedom while confronting present-day challenges.
Georgia is considering launching a development bank to boost key sectors of its economy, but the proposal has sparked debate over risks, transparency and the potential for costly mistakes.
A preliminary round of Lebanon-Israel talks has concluded in Washington, marking a tentative diplomatic step as regional tensions rise. The development comes as the United States launches a naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Greenland’s prime minister has appointed his predecessor to oversee foreign affairs, as pressure from Washington intensifies over the Arctic island’s future.
Spain’s plan to grant legal status to hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants is facing early resistance, with immigration officers warning they may strike over a lack of preparation and resources.
The U.S. and Iran could resume peace talks over the next couple of days, U.S. President Donald Trump has said. Talks between Israel and Lebanon were held in Washington yesterday. Fuel prices have dropped below $100 a barrel. U.S. blockade on Iranian ports completes first day.
Dubai’s most iconic hotel, the Burj Al Arab, is set to close for the first time since opening in 1999 as it begins an extensive 18-month refurbishment aimed at preserving its status as a global symbol of luxury.
Relations between China and Russia are gaining fresh momentum, with recent developments highlighting closer military and diplomatic cooperation.
France is set to vote on a controversial law targeting what it calls “new forms” of antisemitism, sparking sharp divisions and raising concerns over free speech, criticism of Israel and the protection of Jewish communities.
Hungary’s election winner, Péter Magyar, said on Wednesday his cabinet could be sworn in by mid-May, with Magyar taking office as prime minister, and pledged swift action to unlock billions in suspended European Union funding.
A former NATO chief and senior figure the UK's ruling Labour Party has launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Keir Starmer, accusing his government of failing to adequately fund defence.
Russia has signalled it is ready to increase energy supplies to China, underscoring deepening ties between the two powers ahead of an expected visit by President Vladimir Putin.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment