Georgia elects anti-western president amid EU protests

Mikheil Kavelashvili, a vocal critic of the West, has been elected Georgia’s president as protests erupt over the government’s decision to freeze EU accession talks until 2028. His election comes amid widespread anger in a country where EU integration remains overwhelmingly popular.

“This vote is treason against the will of the Georgian people,” said protester Vezi Kokhodze, standing among demonstrators who waved red cards at parliament in a jab at Kavelashvili’s soccer career. “The system is dragging us back to Soviet times.”

Kavelashvili, known for accusing Western intelligence of attempting to incite war with Russia, was nominated by billionaire and former prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, widely regarded as Georgia’s true power broker.

The election, determined by a college of electors, saw 224 out of 225 votes in favor of Kavelashvili, with opposition parties boycotting the process. “This is a clear signal of where Georgian Dream wants to lead the country,” said an opposition leader.

Protests continue as many Georgians fear the election signals a deeper shift away from the West and toward Russia, a move polls show most citizens strongly oppose.