Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili leaves residence, claims 'legitimacy' of the office
Mikheil Kavelashvili was sworn in on Sunday as Georgia's sixth president at a ceremony in Tbilisi, the country's capital.
Kavelashvili, elected president earlier this month, took the oath of office in the parliament building, attended by lawmakers and government officials, according to Public Broadcaster 1TV.
In his speech, Kavelashvili highlighted Georgia's rich culture and the hardships it has endured over the centuries.
His inauguration comes as the Georgian administration has halted talks on the country's EU membership, escalating tensions with the opposition.
Meanwhile, outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili spoke to pro-EU demonstrators outside the presidential palace, announcing her departure but asserting that, in the eyes of the opposition and her supporters, she was still the rightful occupant of the office.
“Six years ago, I took an oath—not only to uphold the Constitution but also to commit myself to this country and you. That is why I am here today. This loyalty will never change, whether I stand inside the palace or outside it. I will always be with you, wherever that may be,” Zourabichvili said.
As she departed, she declared she was taking with her “legitimacy, the flag, and your trust” and vowed to continue her struggle.
Last Sunday, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that Zourabichvili must vacate her post on the day of the inauguration, adding, “Let's see where she continues her life – behind bars or outside.”
Kavelashvili, 53, was elected on Dec. 14 by a 300-seat electoral college, replacing the direct presidential election system introduced in 2017.
However, his election has been marred by political tensions linked to a contested October parliamentary election. Georgian Dream secured 89 of 150 seats after receiving 53.93% of the vote.
Zourabichvili, considered pro-EU, refused to acknowledge the results, citing Russian interference, while opposition parties have labeled the vote as “stolen” and boycotted parliamentary sessions.
On Nov. 28, Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would suspend EU accession talks until 2028, sparking widespread protests across the country, including in Tbilisi.
