Georgian lawmakers elected a Pro-Russian politician, Mikheil Kavelashvili after a controversial election that has triggered off mass protests that have not been abating. The move comes after the newly “elected” government voted to cancel the country’s bid to join the EU.
Anti-Western politician Mikheil Kavelashvili elected Georgia’s new president– timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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Kavelashvili, a former soccer player known for his critical stance toward the West, received 224 out of 225 votes from the electoral college. All opposition parties boycotted the vote, citing concerns about the fairness of the October parliamentary elections, which Georgian Dream officially won.
The ruling Georgian Dream party’s decision to postpone EU accession until 2028 has angered many Georgians who support joining the EU. Before the vote, hundreds protested outside parliament, some symbolically playing soccer and waving red cards in reference to Kavelashvili’s athletic past….
The recent protests, which have drawn thousands nightly for over two weeks, have occasionally led to clashes with police. The government claims the protests are an attempt to seize power. Hundreds of protesters have been detained, and the interior ministry reports that over 150 officers have been injured. Parliament recently approved new restrictions on protests, including increased fines and bans on certain items.
