On Tuesday, the third president of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, completed her term and officially handed over the leadership to the newly elected president, to be determined by runoff elections. Despite the transition of power, political turmoil continues to be a mainstay in Georgian politics as Zurabishvili’s predecessor, Mikheil Saakashvili, has vowed not to cede control of the country.
The inauguration of the new president marks a significant milestone for Georgia, which has undergone dramatic political changes in recent years. Although the runoff elections have resulted in a clear winner, the ongoing unrest highlights the challenges the new president is likely to face in restoring stability and strengthening democracy in the country.
Mikheil Saakashvili has resisted the transition of power for months, raising concerns about the implications of a prolonged standoff between the incumbent and the outgoing president. While the international community has reacted cautiously to the ongoing political crisis, the new president will require solid support from key nations to address the pressing issues facing Georgia.
Key themes that are expected to be addressed during the coming years include promoting independent institutions, economic development, and ensuring freedom and safety for Georgian citizens. These goals will perhaps be made more difficult by the political fight that has been ongoing between the two ex-presidents.
In light of these events, Georgia’s political landscape is set to shift once again, as the new president attempts to regain control over the country and steer it toward a more stable future.
