Georgia's new president sworn in amid political showdown

Georgia's new president sworn in amid political showdown

Georgian Dream's decision to delay the nation's EU bid has sparked protests

Georgia inaugurated a far-right governing party loyalist as president Sunday, escalating a political showdown moments after his pro-EU predecessor declared herself the "only legitimate president".

The inauguration of former footballer Mikhail Kavelashvili ratchets up a months-long political crisis that has seen huge pro-European Union demonstrations.

Outgoing head of state Salome Zurabishvili and protesters have declared Kavelashvili "illegitimate", demanding a re-run of the October general elections that they say the governing Georgian Dream party rigged.  

"Our history clearly shows that, after countless struggles to defend our homeland and traditions, peace has always been one of the main goals and values for the Georgian people," Kavelashvili said after taking the presidential oath in parliament.

Georgian Dream has presented itself as the sole guarantor of stability in the country, accusing the West of trying to drag Tbilisi into the Ukraine conflict.  

Kavelashvili, known for his far-right views and derogatory comments against LGBTQ people, went on to praise "our traditions, values, national identity, the sanctity of the family, and faith". 

Moments earlier and a few minutes' walk away at the presidential palace, Zurabishvili said that while she would vacate the premises, her fight against Georgian Dream would continue.

"I remain the only legitimate president," she told a crowd. 

"I will leave the presidential palace and stand with you, carrying with me the legitimacy, the flag and your trust."

In a symbolic gesture, Zurabishvili wore the same wite-and-black attire -- the colours of Georgian flag -- she was dressed in during her inauguration six years ago. 

- 'We trust her' -

She reiterated that redoing the "illegitimate" election would be the "formula to resolve such a crisis". 

Following her address outside the presidential palace, thousands of protesters moved toward parliament, with some holding up red cards in a clear nod to Kavelashvili's football career.

They dispersed shortly afterward, vowing another protest later in the evening.

Interior ministry said six protesters were detained outside parliament. 

Local media reported that several people were injured during the violent arrests, despite protesters complying with police orders to clear the road. 

Zurabishvili has emerged as the most popular politician and a last hope for protesters who accuse Georgian Dream of steering Tbilisi away from the West and toward Moscow. 

"We trust her, we follow her, and for now, she's our guide," 42-year-old Shorena Aleksaia, who attended the demonstration, told AFP.   

- 'Too late for backing down' -

Georgia has been in political turmoil since October's disputed parliamentary elections and the government's decision to shelve EU membership talks. 

Thousands of Georgians have taken to the streets daily for a month, accusing the increasingly repressive government of derailing Tbilisi's EU ambitions. 

Many protesters said they intended to keep taking to the streets. 

"We will keep fighting. We will keep protesting," said David, a 22-year-old programmer who stood outside the presidential palace earlier Sunday. 

"It's too late for backing down." 

For the first time in Georgia's history, the presidential swearing-in ceremony was held behind closed doors in the parliament's plenary chamber.  

Opposition parties have refused to enter parliament after the October elections, and Zurabishvili has declared the newly elected legislature, the government and president-elect "illegitimate".  

Weighing in on the crisis, US Republican congressman Joe Wilson has said that Zurabishvili is invited to attend Donald Trump's inauguration next month "as the only legitimate leader in Georgia."

He announced a bill "which will prohibit US recognition of the illegal dictatorial regime in Georgia and recognise Zurabishvili as the only legitimate leader in Georgia." 

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda called Kavelashvili "a person, only elected and acknowledged by his own party" who was "inaugurated in a semi-secret ceremony."   

But Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze of Georgian Dream has ruled out calling fresh elections.  

In the first 10 days of protests after the contested vote, riot police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators, some of whom threw fireworks and stones.

More than 400 people have been arrested during the protests, many saying they have been beaten.  

The reported police brutality has drawn international condemnation, with Washington and several European countries imposing visa bans on Georgian Dream officials. 

im/oc/giv