In a few days, the inauguration of Georgia's new president will take place. For the first time in history, the president was not elected by Georgian citizens but by an electoral college. In 2018, at the inauguration of the current head of state, Salome Zourabichvili, there were around 150 representatives from over 50 countries. Now, the pro-Russian government is afraid to invite foreign guests, as they do not recognize such presidential elections.

According to the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili, foreign ambassadors and international guests were not invited to the inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili, who was elected president by Georgia's electoral college. Papuashvili cited "limitations" of the parliamentary chamber where the ceremony will take place as the reason. He claimed that it is important for electors and representatives of constitutional bodies, not foreigners, to attend the inauguration. Among the attendees, he mentioned representatives of the Georgian Orthodox Church and several high-ranking officials from Georgia's Defense Forces.

Foreign guests and ambassadors have traditionally attended presidential inaugurations. In 2018, Salome Zourabichvili's inauguration featured around 150 representatives from over 50 countries, including high-ranking officials.

On December 14, members of the electoral college selected Mikheil Kavelashvili as Georgia's president. He was the sole candidate for the position, and the election was not recognized by the opposition or the current president, Salome Zourabichvili. She called the December 14 presidential election a "farce" and vowed not to step down, asserting that Georgia "needs legitimate institutions and leadership that genuinely reflect the will of the country and society." On December 22, during a massive rally in Tbilisi, Zourabichvili demanded that new parliamentary elections be scheduled by December 29—the day her term expires and when Georgian Dream plans to inaugurate Mikheil Kavelashvili.

In response, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that Zourabichvili must vacate her position after her term ends and threatened her with imprisonment if she refuses to comply.

Source: newsgeorgia.ge