Mr Kavelashvili holds anti-Western and often conspiratorial views, having previously claimed that Western intelligence agencies are attempting to push Georgia into war with Russia, its ruler for two centuries until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
He was a striker for Manchester City between 1996 and 1997, before playing for a number of clubs in the Swiss Super League.
He was first elected to parliament in 2016 for the Georgian Dream party – which is trying to deepen ties with Russia since the war began in Ukraine – and in November 2024 was selected as its presidential candidate.
Mr Kavelashvili’s election comes following huge protests against the government led by the Georgian Dream party, after it moved to freeze accession to the EU – a long standing goal which is written into the country’s constitution – until 2028.
Denne historien er fra December 15, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
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Denne historien er fra December 15, 2024-utgaven av The Independent.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Bullseye! How this friendly rivalry is finding its target
It took Luke Littler approximately three weeks to prove he wasn't a flash in the pan. \"Littlermania\" had swept through the UK when an unheralded 16-year-old from Warrington downed former world champions and established stars to shockingly reach the final of the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship.
Manchester derby shaped by two Sporting encounters
Pep Guardiola is on to the fifth Manchester United manager of his reign at Manchester City.
Arsenal let crucial chance slip in Everton stalemate
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Liverpool fail to overcome Fulham but make a point
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Owner of Mango fashion house dies in mountain fall
The founder of the fashion empire Mango died yesterday in a mountain accident, the company has said.
Anti-West hardliner elected as new president of Georgia
Former Premier League footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili has been elected as the president of Georgia, replacing the pro-Western incumbent.
South Korean parliament votes to impeach president
Yoon Suk Yeol insists that his suspension will be 'temporary'
Thousands escape horrific conditions of Syrian camp
The Rukban camp was supposed to provide refuge to those fleeing chemical weapons attacks and other atrocities. Those trapped there could only pray for survival, writes Bel Trew
Comic McCausland wins Strictly Come Dancing
Chris McCausland and his professional partner Dianne Buswell were crowned the winners of Strictly Come Dancing's 2024 series yesterday.
"This is such a special, special place. It is magical'
Alex Croft meets the residents of the UK's happiest towns
