• Mikheil Kavelashvili was inaugurated as the new president of Georgia on December 29, 2024, amid significant political unrest.
• Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili declared she was the legitimate leader, stating, “I am taking legitimacy with me,” during her departure from the palace.
• Protests erupted following the government's decision to freeze EU accession talks, leading to widespread public discontent against the ruling Georgian Dream party.
• Kavelashvili, a former professional soccer player and ally of the ruling party's founder, faces accusations of illegitimacy stemming from alleged electoral fraud.
• The political standoff has drawn attention from the US and EU, with sanctions placed on party leader Bidzina Ivanishvili amid concerns of increasing pro-Russian sentiments in the country.

Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili highlighted the controversial circumstances of Kavelashvili’s election, alleging that the October parliamentary election was conducted under fraudulent conditions. "This building was a symbol only as long as a legitimate president was sitting here," she stated, underscoring her refusal to recognize her successor's authority. Kavelashvili, whose inauguration took place in Tbilisi as protests unfolded outside, asserted his intent to serve as a president for all, emphasizing the need for unity amidst the nation's political crises.

The unrest has been exacerbated by Georgian Dream's recent decision to delay its long-sought EU accession talks, halting what many Georgians view as a vital aspiration. This decision has led to protests where demonstrators have likened Kavelashvili's presidency to a "circus," openly calling for a reevaluation of the election process and demanding new votes to ensure the public's will is represented.

International observers noted that the October election had several irregularities, prompting calls from Western nations for further investigation into the electoral process. As Zourabichvili's supporters continue to contest Kavelashvili's legitimacy, the political landscape remains fraught with tension, indicating a possible turning point for Georgia's shifting alignment between the West and Russia.