Zourabichvili condemns inauguration of pro-Russian president-elect
- 29 December, 14:32
Georgian president Salome Zourabichvili condemned as “parody” the sworn-in ceremony of her far-right successor Mikheil Kavelashvili on Sunday.
Addressing thousands-strong pro-EU protest in capital Tbilisi, Zourabichvili said she remained the only legitimate leader of the South Caucasus republic that has been the venue of anti-government protests since the pro-Russian parliament’s decision last month to halt EU accession talks.
“I remain the only legitimate president. I will leave the presidential palace and stand with you, carrying with me the legitimacy, the flag and your trust,” Zourabichvili declared while addressing at least 2,000 pro-EU protesters. She believes the parliamentary election held in the country in October was illegitimate, thus, the new president appointed by the parliament is an illegitimate candidate.
Zourabichvili spoke on Sunday shortly after refusing to hand over the keys to Kavelashvili who was sworn in as the country’s next president in a ceremony held behind closed doors in the plenary chamber inside parliament.
After taking the presidential oath, Kavelashvili said: “You will probably agree that we, the Georgian people, are distinguished by our strong emotions, which our adversaries often exploit. That is why we must act with particular caution and foresight. Analysing the mistakes of the past should serve as the foundation for every decision we make in the future. We are guided solely by our national interests.”
Kavelashvili, 53, is known for his pro-Russia and far-right view and comments against LGBTQ+ and in his speech praised Georgia’s traditions and values. Nominated by the ruing Georgia Dream party, he was elected the president by the electoral college in December.
