“The Georgian opposition considered the decision of the ruling party as a continuation of the anti-Western policy”, — write: www.radiosvoboda.org
“Honesty, justice, patriotism and principles are the qualities that distinguish Mykhailo Kavelashvili. He is the best embodiment of a Georgian man by nature. He is a wonderful husband and the father of four children… I am sure that Mykhailo Kavelashvili will fully restore the dignity that was temporarily taken away from the presidential institute,” said the chairman of the party, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili.
The Georgian opposition considered the decision of the ruling party as a continuation of the anti-Western policy. Khatiya Dekanoidze, a representative of “Unity – National Movement”, emphasized that Kavelashvili is one of the most ardent critics of the West.
“We can joke, but Ivanishvili made the most prominent anti-Westerner his president. Rude and uneducated, he especially harshly criticizes the USA and the EU. This reflects his vision of the country and the people,” she wrote on Facebook.
Kavelashvili is one of the leaders of the People’s Power party. He was a member of the Parliament of the 9th and 10th convocations, and became a deputy following the parliamentary elections on October 26 (number 18 on the Georgian Dream party list). “People’s Power” is known for its anti-Western rhetoric and support for “traditional values”.
Now Kavelashvili is 53 years old. He is a six-time champion of Georgia in football. In 1995, Kavelashvili played for the Vladikavkaz club “Spartak-Alania”, with which he won the Russian championship. He also played for Manchester City and various clubs in Switzerland.
The election of the president of Georgia will be held on December 14, and the inauguration will be held on December 29. The second round of elections (if necessary) will also take place on December 14.
For the first time, the president of Georgia will not be elected by the population, but by an electoral college. According to the Constitution, this body includes 300 people, including 150 members of the Parliament of Georgia, members of the Verkhovna Rada of Adjara and the Abkhaz Autonomous Republic (in exile).
61 opposition MPs will probably not take part in the vote, as the opposition parties do not recognize the legitimacy of the 11th convocation parliament.
The majority of Georgia’s international partners did not congratulate “Georgian Dream” on its victory in the parliamentary elections, demanding an investigation into violations during the voting. The president of Georgia and the opposition also do not recognize the election results.