Former Manchester City forward Mikheil Kavelashvili, now a far-right politician, is set to become Georgia’s next president through an indirect election process widely criticized as undemocratic.
DETAILS:
Mikheil Kavelashvili, who played for Manchester City from 1995 to 1997, is now making headlines off the pitch as he prepares to assume Georgia’s presidency under contentious circumstances.
Once a striker known for scoring against Manchester United, Kavelashvili has transitioned into a political figure aligned with the ruling Georgian Dream party, which nominated him for the largely ceremonial role.
His candidacy comes at a time of intense unrest in Tbilisi, where thousands of citizens are protesting what they see as a backslide from democratic norms and pro-European Union policies.
Kavelashvili’s anticipated victory follows the Georgian Dream party’s abolition of popular voting for the presidency, a move that has sparked widespread outrage. Critics have described him as a “puppet” of billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, the party’s founder, who is accused of consolidating power and steering the nation closer to Kremlin-style politics.
Known for his expletive-laden speeches and controversial remarks about LGBTQ rights, Kavelashvili’s rhetoric has fueled fears of further polarization in Georgia.
The decision to install Kavelashvili comes as Georgia faces a constitutional crisis, with incumbent President Salome Zurabishvili refusing to step down unless fresh elections are called.
Meanwhile, constitutional law experts, including one of the original drafters of Georgia’s constitution, have declared the election process “illegitimate” due to legal violations. The situation remains tense, with demonstrators accusing the government of betraying Georgia’s aspirations to join the European Union.
QUOTES:
Historian Nika Gobronidze likened Kavelashvili’s rise to Roman absurdities, stating, “Caligula wanted his horse to be a consul; our oligarch wants his puppet to be a president.”
Constitutional expert Vakhtang Khmaladze criticized the election as “illegitimate,” warning of its long-term implications for Georgian democracy.
CITATIONS:
This report is based on insights from AFP and local Georgian commentators, December 2024.
KEEP IN MIND:
With Mikheil Kavelashvili’s presidency looming, Georgia’s political future hangs in the balance, as tensions between pro-Western protesters and the Georgian Dream government continue to escalate.
TIMELINE:
Football Legend Turned Politician: Mikheil Kavelashvili, who played for Manchester City from 1995-1997, is now a far-right politician aligned with Georgian Dream, Georgia’s ruling party.
Election Process Sparks Outrage: Critics have labeled the indirect election process “illegitimate” after Georgian Dream abolished popular voting for the presidency.
Public Protests: Thousands of citizens in Tbilisi have taken to the streets for over two weeks, protesting Georgian Dream’s retreat from EU accession talks and alleged election rigging.
Controversial Remarks: Known for anti-Western and anti-LGBTQ statements, Kavelashvili’s rhetoric has drawn comparisons to Kremlin-style politics.
