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A New Chapter for Georgia
A former Manchester City footballer has taken on a surprising new role as the President of Georgia. Mikheil Kavelashvili, 53, who dazzled fans on the pitch from 1995 to 1997, has officially been sworn in as the country’s sixth president. However, his appointment has not been without controversy, as critics label him a “puppet” of Vladimir Putin.
Controversial Beginnings
Kavelashvili’s political career has been marked by his outspoken nature, particularly during his tenure as a member of Parliament since 2016. He has been a key figure in the ruling Georgian Dream party, which has faced growing accusations of steering Georgia back into Russia’s influence. Founded by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, the party has drawn ire for its authoritarian tendencies and its perceived alignment with Moscow.
Behind Closed Doors
Sworn in on a Sunday behind closed doors, Kavelashvili was the only candidate for the presidency, a move that some experts have deemed questionable. Vakhtang Khmaladze, one of the authors of Georgia’s constitution, has labelled the election as “illegitimate.” Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili has echoed these sentiments, casting doubt on the legitimacy of Kavelashvili’s ascendancy to power.
Political Rhetoric and Social Issues
In a political landscape fraught with tension, Kavelashvili has not shied away from controversial statements. He has publicly criticized Western attitudes towards LGBTQ rights, framing them as detrimental to humanity. Such rhetoric has raised eyebrows, particularly as Georgia grapples with increasing unrest and anti-government protests.
Protests Erupt in the Capital
Recent months have seen a surge of protests across Georgia, fueled by discontent with the government’s shift away from EU integration. Demonstrators took to the streets of Tbilisi, clashing with police who responded with tear gas and water cannons. Protesters expressed their frustration over the ruling party’s perceived pro-Putin stance, with many accusing the government of undermining the country’s democratic future.
International Reactions and Sanctions
The situation has drawn international attention, particularly from the United States, which recently imposed sanctions on Ivanishvili. Washington argues that his influence has been detrimental to Georgia’s democratic aspirations, further complicating the country’s relationship with the West.
Public Sentiment and Historical Parallels
Amidst the turmoil, public sentiment towards Kavelashvili is overwhelmingly negative. Historian Nika Gobronidze, 53, voiced his discontent, comparing Kavelashvili’s appointment to the infamous Roman Emperor Caligula’s decision to make his horse a consul. Such sentiments reflect a deep-seated frustration with the current political trajectory of Georgia.
A Football Career in the Shadows
Before stepping into the political arena, Kavelashvili made a name for himself in football. He scored his debut goal for Manchester City against arch-rivals Manchester United and later played for several clubs in Switzerland, including Grasshoppers and Zurich. However, his football career often saw him spending more time on the bench than on the field.
The Road Ahead
As Kavelashvili steps into his new role, the future of Georgia hangs in the balance. With rising tensions both domestically and internationally, his presidency may serve as a pivotal moment for the country. Whether he will rise to the occasion or further entrench Georgia in a pro-Russian stance remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the eyes of the world are watching.
