The Georgian political scene has recently been shaken by a tumultuous episode, marked by the inauguration of the new president Mikheil Kavelashvili. The latter, a controversial figure with an ultraconservative and anti-Western discourse, took office in a whirlwind ceremony in Parliament, succeeding Salome Zurabishvili, a supporter of the pro-European opposition.
The circumstances of this political transition are far from ordinary, reflecting a deep division within Georgian society. Indeed, Salome Zurabishvili, despite her departure from the presidential palace, continues to claim her legitimacy as the only president elected by the people. Her public statement, delivered to her supporters gathered in front of the palace, underlined her determination to fight against the Georgian Dream party in power, thus fueling the already high tensions in the country.
This contested inauguration did not fail to arouse the indignation of thousands of Georgians, who expressed their support for Salome Zourabichvili by peacefully demonstrating in front of the presidential palace. Waving European Union flags, a symbol of their attachment to democratic and pro-European values, these citizens showed their disapproval of a power grab perceived as illegitimate.
Beyond the internal political issues, this unprecedented crisis in Georgia raises fundamental questions about the democratic stability of the country and its geopolitical orientation. As political differences persist and social divisions widen, it seems crucial to find common ground to restore trust and preserve national unity.
In this turbulent context, the political future of Georgia remains uncertain. The coming weeks will be decisive in determining whether the new president will succeed in establishing his authority and calming the tensions that are shaking the country. Faced with a divided population and complex international issues, the path to a peaceful and consensual resolution seems fraught with pitfalls, but not without hope.