Georgian Dream, the ruling party of Georgia, has nominated former Manchester City footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili as its presidential candidate. The announcement comes amidst controversy surrounding last month’s parliamentary election, which was won by Georgian Dream but widely criticized as fraudulent.
Ruling Party’s Decision
Georgian Dream, which has deepened ties with Russia in recent years, has announced that Mikheil Kavelashvili will be its candidate for the post of president in a mid-December electoral college vote. The party has a majority in the 300-seat college, making Kavelashvili’s elevation to the mainly ceremonial post all but certain.
Kavelashvili’s Qualifications
Although Kavelashvili does not have higher education, he has been praised by Georgian Dream’s honorary chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili for his commitment to restoring dignity to the presidential institute. Ivanishvili has also stated that Kavelashvili will not be in the service of foreign powers, but rather in the service of the Georgian state.
Controversy Surrounding Election
The announcement comes amidst controversy surrounding last month’s parliamentary election, which was won by Georgian Dream but widely criticized as fraudulent. The opposition and independent observers have accused the ruling party of rigging the election, leading to protests and a boycott of parliament.
Other Footballers in Politics
Several other former footballers have also sought the political limelight in Georgia, including Kakha Kaladze, who was a Champions League winner with AC Milan and has served as mayor of Tbilisi since 2017. Levan Kobiashvili, a former defender for Freiburg, Schalke, and Hertha Berlin, is also a lawmaker in the Georgian parliament.
Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream, has nominated former Manchester City footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili as its presidential candidate.
Background on the Candidate
Kavelashvili is a 53-year-old former striker who played for Manchester City from 1996 to 1997. He did not have enough playing time to renew his work permit, and was loaned to Swiss side Grasshoppers before leaving City permanently. Before joining City, Kavelashvili played for Georgian club Dinamo Tbilisi and later moved to Russian club Spartak Vladikavkaz.
Political Background
Kavelashvili is a founder member of People’s Power, a hardline splinter group of the Georgian Dream party. He has made strong anti-Western statements in the past. Critics accuse Georgian Dream of democratic backsliding and being too close to Moscow.
Election Details
The presidential elections are scheduled to take place on December 14. Kavelashvili is set to succeed outgoing president Salome Zourabichvili, who was originally an ally of the governing bloc. The election will be held indirectly by a 300-member electoral college consisting of members of parliament and local government representatives.
Reactions
The announcement has been met with mixed reaction, with some praising Kavelashvili’s commitment to Georgia and others expressing concern about his qualifications and the implications of his nomination.
Other Notable Former Footballers in Politics
Several other former footballers have also sought the political limelight in Georgia, including former AC Milan defender Kakha Kaladze, who has served as mayor of Tbilisi since 2017.
