Thousands of Georgians protested in the capital, Tbilisi, during the inauguration of a new president allied with the ruling Georgian Dream party.
A former pro footballer, Mikheil Kavelashvili, was sworn in during a critical political period for the country after the government suspended its application to join the European Union.
Georgian Dream swept the parliamentary elections in October, but the victory has been tainted by allegations of fraud that have since inspired several street protests. Outgoing president Salome Zourabichvili refused to leave on Sunday, declaring she was the “only legitimate president.”
Speaking to crowds gathered outside, Zourabichvili said she would vacate the presidential palace but called her successor illegitimate. This building was a symbol only as long as a legitimate president was sitting here,” she said.
A few minutes walk away, Kavelashvili was sworn in at a closed-door ceremony in parliament, where his family accompanied him. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze also attended the inauguration.
After taking the oath, Kavelashvili praised Georgian “traditions, values, national identity, the sanctity of the family, and faith”.
“Our history demonstrates that, after numerous wars for the defence of the homeland and traditions, peace has always been one of the main goals and values for the Georgian people,” he said.
