Georgian president reacts to appointment of her anti-Western successor – media

Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili has commented on the appointment of former footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili as the next head of state. Notably, Kavelashvili was the only candidate for the post.

Source: Georgian news outlet Sova, citing a statement from Zourabichvili, as reported by European Pravda

Details: She made the statement at a protest march organised by mothers who oppose the Georgian Dream ruling party's decision to abandon negotiations on joining the European Union and who do not recognise the legitimacy of the presidential election.

The marchers called Zourabichvili the only legitimate president and declared that they do not recognise Kavelashvili as the new head of state.

Salome Zourabichvili responded, saying, "It's nothing. No one has elected anyone. Nothing has happened."

"Thank you, thank you, young people; let's thank them for fighting for the country's future," she said.

Background: 

• The results of the vote, held for the first time through the electoral college with the ruling party holding an absolute majority, declared Kavelashvili the winner with 224 votes in favour. One ballot was spoiled.
• The current president and the opposition had previously announced that they would not recognise the legitimacy of the procedure. Additionally, Zurabishvili has refused to step down as president.

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