Zourabichvili leaves presidency, with Mikheil Kavelashvili taking over

Former Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili announced she would leave the presidential palace following the inauguration of the country’s president-elect, Mikheil Kavelashvili. In a conversation with her supporters, Zourabichvili said she considers herself the only legitimate leader of the country. She noted that upon leaving the presidency, she will take with her “legitimacy and the flag.”

“Nothing will change whether I hold the presidency or not. I remain the only legitimate president of Georgia,” Zourabichvili said.

At the same time, the inauguration ceremony of the country’s president-elect, Mikheil Kavelashvili, was taking place in the courtyard of the presidential palace. Kavelashvili delivered the solemn oath of office, followed by the national anthem of Georgia.

Salome Zourabichvili had previously refused to vacate the presidential residence. She has not recognized the results of the presidential and parliamentary elections held in the country.

To remind, on Dec. 14, presidential elections were held in Georgia, with the sole candidate being former footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili. It marked the first time when the president was elected by an electoral college.