Georgia’s ruling party nominates MP with anti-Western stance as Presidential candidate

The Georgian Dream (GD) ruling party has officially nominated Mikheil Kavelashvili, a sitting MP and former professional footballer, as its candidate for the presidency.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the party’s Honorary Chairman, Bidzina Ivanishvili, at GD headquarters in Tbilisi.

Kavelashvili gained public attention in 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, when he left the Georgian Dream to form People’s Power with fellow MP Sozar Subari.

The split was ostensibly to address issues the ruling party was “unable” to discuss openly, particularly accusations of alleged Western attempts to “drag Georgia” into the war.

These claims were later echoed by GD leadership. Despite his departure, Kavelashvili maintained alignment with GD policies, rejoining its parliamentary majority and securing a spot in the top 20 of GD’s candidate list for the 2024 parliamentary elections.

The announcement of Kavelashvili’s candidacy comes as Georgia prepares for its first indirect presidential election on December 14. The election will involve an electoral college of 300 members, with the GD majority expected to secure Kavelashvili’s victory.

Ivanishvili, often described by critics as the country’s “shadow ruler,” praised Kavelashvili’s patriotism and integrity.

“By his nature and character, Kavelashvili embodies the dignity and values of a Georgian man,” Ivanishvili said.

He also commended the candidate’s role in “defending Georgia’s sovereignty”, expressing confidence that Kavelashvili would “restore the presidency’s temporarily lost dignity” amid the party’s ongoing disputes with incumbent President Salome Zourabichvili.

Kavelashvili, in his acceptance speech, thanked Ivanishvili for the nomination. “I am proud to defend my country in these challenging times,” he said, pledging to uphold the Constitution and serve the Georgian people.

He also emphasized his intention to “return the presidential institution to its constitutional framework”, while accusing “ill-wisher friends” of
fostering societal polarization and radicalization.

The presidential election is scheduled for December 14, with the inauguration ceremony set for December 29.