PM Kobakhidze confident in President-elect Kavelashvili’s “mission to restore” presidency’s image, warns incumbent Zourabichvili

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has voiced strong confidence in Mikheil Kavelashvili, the President-elect, to rebuild the reputation of the presidential office, which he said has been tarnished under Salome Zourabichvili and her predecessors.

Speaking on Friday, ahead of Kavelashvili’s inauguration, Kobakhidze praised the incoming leader, a former national football star and Georgian Dream MP, as a “patriot” with the qualities needed to serve as an “exceptional president”. He highlighted the “critical challenge” awaiting Kavelashvili, stating, “Restoring the damaged reputation of the presidency is his mission, and I am confident he will carry it out successfully.”

The Prime Minister also issued a warning to outgoing President Zourabichvili over claims of alleged electoral violations in the October 26 elections and cautioned against refusing to leave the official residence. He stressed that any such actions could lead to legal consequences, warning that the government would act to prevent any criminal behavior, while also noting that forced removal would reflect poorly on the country.

Kobakhidze further hinted at potential external influences, suggesting that Zourabichvili’s actions might align with the interests of her “foreign patrons.”