Our team has unanimously decided to nominate Mikheil Kavelashvili for the post of the country's president," Georgian Dream's honorary chairman, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili told a news conference. "By his nature and habitus, he is the embodiment of a Georgian man, he will defend the interests of Georgia and its people, and will not serve foreign forces." This statement outlines the party's confidence in Kavelashvili as a representative figure who aligns with their nationalistic ideals.
Kavelashvili is a founder member of People's Power, a hardline splinter group of the Georgian Dream party, with a record of strong anti-Western statements. His affiliation with this group highlights a shift towards more extreme nationalistic policies within the ruling party, raising concerns among critics regarding democratic integrity and relations with the West, particularly in light of Georgia's aspirations for EU integration.
Accepting the nomination, Kavelashvili pledged to unite Georgia, and accused outgoing president Salome Zourabichvili of having 'insulted and ignored' the country's constitution. His commitment to unity in the face of political division illustrates the challenges he faces as he steps into a role shadowed by partisan conflict and calls for reform.
Critics accuse Georgian Dream, established by Ivanishvili who made his fortune in Russia, of democratic backsliding and being too close to Moscow. This context of criticism adds a layer of complexity to Kavelashvili's candidacy, as he will not only have to navigate internal party expectations but also the skepticism of both domestic and international observers regarding Georgia's political future.
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