Recent political events in Georgia have sparked a strong reaction among the population. The controversial election of the ruling party has led to unrest and protests, forcing opposition parties to boycott parliament. In this tense context, the nomination of Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former football player and member of parliament since 2016, as the country’s presidential candidate by the Georgian Dream party, raises many questions.
Coming from the world of sport, Kavelashvili is an atypical character in the Georgian political landscape. A former international and Premier League player, he chose to get involved in politics and co-founded the political movement People’s Power, known for its anti-Western discourse. This transition from the football field to the political stage demonstrates the diversity of profiles of the presidential candidates and raises questions about his motivations and his program for the country.
European observers have highlighted the “divisive” climate that prevailed during last October’s elections, citing questionable practices such as corruption, double voting and physical violence. These accusations of democratic failures have cast a pall over the legitimacy of the current government and fuelled protests. In this context, the nomination of Kavelashvili as presidential candidate by the ruling party appears as a further provocation for the opposition and a risky undertaking for the country’s political stability.
Kavelashvili’s speech in parliament, highlighting the division of Georgian society and denouncing radicalisation and polarisation fuelled from outside, reveals the deep tensions running through the country. His desire to “restore the presidency within the constitutional framework” resonates as a warning to the current president, Salome Zurabishvili, and raises fears about possible institutional conflicts to come.
In this uncertain political context, where passions and resentments are exacerbated, Mikheil Kavelashvili’s candidacy for the presidency of Georgia raises crucial questions about the democratic future of the country and the management of these internal tensions. The coming weeks will be crucial for the political and social stability of Georgia, and the population will remain vigilant regarding the decisions and initiatives taken by its leaders.