Georgia

The inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili as President of Georgia took place in Tbilisi, accompanied by protests.

In the center of Tbilisi, police clashed with participants of an anti-government rally against the legitimacy of President Kavelashvili. One demonstrator was injured during the clashes, and the number of detainees is unknown.

Salome Zurabishvili announced her voluntary withdrawal from the Orbeliani Presidential Palace in Tbilisi. She called the upcoming inauguration of the new president, Mikheil Kavelashvili, a “travesty” and declared her unwavering commitment to the country.

Congressman Joe Wilson has announced the introduction of a US non-recognition act against the new regime in Georgia. The document will recognize Salome Zurabishvili as the only legitimate leader until fair elections are held.

Salome Zurabishvili says she is staying in the Orbeliani presidential palace in Tbilisi ahead of the new president's inauguration. She does not recognize the results of the December 14 presidential election, which was won by Mikheil Kavelashvili.

Republican Joe Wilson invited Salome Zurabishvili to Trump's inauguration in 2025. Zurabishvili refuses to step down as president until new parliamentary elections are called in Georgia.

The bodies of two missing climbers have been found on Mount Gran Sasso in Italy. The experienced climbers slipped in a gorge at an altitude of 2700 meters after being blocked by snow and frost.

The Presidents of Ukraine and Serbia have a telephone conversation to discuss the development of bilateral relations and coordination of efforts on the path to the EU. Serbia provides financial and humanitarian support to Ukraine, but refrains from sanctions against Russia.

Mikheil Kavelashvili will be sworn in on December 29 in the parliament without the participation of foreign representatives. The ceremony will last 40 minutes with a limited number of guests due to the “restrictions” of the session hall.

Women's protest marches “For Georgia” were held in Tbilisi and three other cities in Georgia. During the march in Tbilisi, an unknown person attacked a participant, and President Salome Zurabishvili supported the protesters.

Lasha Bekauri, a 24-year-old judoka, posted a video of a lion cub in the front seat of a car. The director of the zoo said it was possible smuggling, as the importation of wild animals is allowed only for scientific purposes.

Salome Zurabishvili announced the creation of a council to prepare for new parliamentary elections. The President warned the Georgian Dream that if no agreement is reached by December 29, the regime will collapse.

Human Rights Watch reported massive violations of the rights of peaceful protesters by the Georgian authorities. Human rights activists recorded numerous cases of beatings, torture and ill-treatment of detainees.

Polish President Andrzej Duda expressed support for Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili and her European aspirations. He supported holding new parliamentary elections in Georgia in accordance with OSCE recommendations.

Salome Zurabishvili said “We are not afraid” in response to the threats of imprisonment from Prime Minister Kobakhidze. The President supported the protesters in Tbilisi and insisted that new parliamentary elections be called.

Irakli Kobakhidze demands Salome Zurabishvili to leave the presidential residence by December 29 under threat of criminal liability.

On December 28, Georgia will hold an hour-long protest called the Chain of Unity against the inauguration of the new president. The protesters will form a human chain on the streets of seven locations in Tbilisi and other cities.

The European EQAR registry has suspended the registration of the National Center for the Development of Education Quality in Georgia. Experts warn of possible problems with diploma recognition and risks for European integration.

Georgian authorities will set up a working group with the Council of Europe to amend the law on “foreign agents. ” Prime Minister Kobakhidze promised to release most of the detained protesters and stop the use of force.

The President of Ukraine addressed the European Council on the situation in Georgia. Zelenskyy said that the Russian-controlled Georgian government refuses to cooperate with the EU and works in favor of Putin.

A shooting took place in the center of Sukhumi near the building of the parliament of the unrecognized republic, killing MP Vakhtang Golandzia. Another deputy, Kan Kvartsiya, was wounded in the arm.

Salome Zurabishvili appealed to the European Parliament to put pressure on the Georgian government to hold new elections. She claimed repression of peaceful protesters and stolen voting results.

During a conversation with the President of the European Council, Salome Zurabishvili said that only new elections can resolve the crisis in Georgia. She also does not recognize the legitimacy of the election of the new president, Mikheil Kavelashvili.

Lithuania and Estonia imposed sanctions on 17 Georgian politicians and officials, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. The reason was the suppression of protests and human rights violations in Georgia.

Estonia imposed sanctions against 14 Georgian officials, including Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze. The Estonian Foreign Minister called on other EU countries to also respond to human rights violations in Georgia.

More than 10 marches are planned in the Georgian capital for the 18th day of protests against the suspension of EU accession negotiations. Participants include Real Madrid and Barcelona fans, What? Where? When? players, veterinarians, and IT professionals.

The New Year's tree lighting ceremony near the Tbilisi parliament was postponed due to an opposition protest. The President offered to move the event to her residence, but the mayor criticized the idea.

The bodies of 12 people have been found in an Indian restaurant in the ski resort of Gudauri. The preliminary cause of death is a generator running in a closed room during a power outage.

The current President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, called the election of the new President, Mikheil Kavelashvili, illegitimate.

Mikheil Kavelashvili is elected president of Georgia with 224 votes. The current president and the opposition do not recognize the legitimacy of these elections, which took place amid a political crisis.