The inauguration took place against

The inauguration took place against the backdrop of ongoing mass protests in Georgia that have lasted for nearly a month and a half (see EDM, December 5, 10, 2024). Protesters are tirelessly demanding a repeat of the parliamentary elections and the continuation of Georgia’s rapprochement with the European Union, which Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze suspended on November 28. On December 31, the ministers of the Weimar Triangle countries (France, Germany, and Poland) called on Georgian Dream to consider the possibility of new parliamentary elections (Diplomatie.gouv.fr, December 31, 2024). Georgia’s previous president, Salome Zourabichvili, has refused to recognize the legitimacy of the newly appointed president and intends to continue her international activities as the legitimate president. On the day of Kavelashvili’s inauguration, Zourabichvili addressed the anti-government protesters gathered in front of her residence and declared that she would only be leaving the presidential palace but “taking with her the Georgian flag and the legitimacy of the presidency” (Radiotavisupleba.ge, January 1). สล็อต