“I'm Taking Legitimacy With Me”: Zurabishvili Announces She Will Leave Post of President of Georgia

“I'm taking legitimacy with me”: Zurabishvili said she will leave the post of President of Georgia Polina Buyanova

Citizens gathered near the Orbeliani residence in Tbilisi, to whom Salome Zurabishvili addressed. Also at 11:00 the inauguration ceremony of Mikheil Kavelashvili began in the country.

This was reported by 24 Channel with reference to “Echo of the Caucasus”. It is worth noting that Zurabishvili had previously stated that she would remain in office because she did not recognize the results of the parliamentary elections held on October 26 and the subsequent election of Kavelashvili.

Salome Zurabishvili addressed citizens

Salome Zurabishvili's term of office officially ends on December 29, following the inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili. The ceremony began at 11:00 in the Georgian Parliament building.

During her speech to citizens, Salome Zurabishvili announced that she would voluntarily leave the presidential palace.

I am leaving here and taking legitimacy with me, she told citizens gathered at Orbeliani's residence.

According to her, the inauguration of the new president, Mikheil Kavelashvili, is a “parody.” She added that she considers herself the only legitimate body of the country and promised to continue the fight to liberate Georgia from the regime.

It is worth noting that Kavelashvili is also not recognized by the opposition and a significant portion of the country's international partners. It is worth noting that Kavelashvili was elected by the Electoral College, consisting of deputies from the Georgian Dream, district sakrebulo (municipal government bodies) and the Supreme Councils of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara and the Autonomous Republic of Abkhazia (in exile).

Georgians gathered near Orbeliani's residence: watch the video

Meanwhile, in the building of the Parliament of Georgia, Mikheil Kavelashvili took the oath.

I, the President of Georgia, before God and the people, do swear that I will defend the Constitution of Georgia, the independence, integrity and indivisibility of the country, conscientiously fulfill the duties of the President, take care of the security and well-being of the citizens of my country, the revival and power of my people and the Fatherland,” he said.

Kavelashvili’s inauguration ceremony ended at around 11:27 a.m. local time.