RIFNOTE Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former professional footballer who played as a striker for Manchester City in the mid-1990s, has been elected as the President of Georgia. The 53-year-old was nominated by the ruling Georgian Dream party and secured 224 out of 225 votes in the parliamentary election, with the opposition boycotting the process.
Kavelashvili’s election is viewed by critics as a setback to Georgia’s aspirations of joining the European Union and a win for Russia’s influence. The Georgian Dream party, known for its pro-Russian stance, has been accused of undermining democracy and suppressing opposition.
The election has sparked widespread protests and international concern over Georgia’s political direction. The outgoing president, Salome Zourabichvili, has refused to step down, citing constitutional violations, and has called for new elections.
Kavelashvili is expected to assume office on December 29, 2024. His presidency marks a significant shift in Georgia’s political landscape, with potential implications for its foreign policy and relations with Western countries.
