Mikheil Kavelashvili was sworn in as Georgia's new president as an EU candidate after it refused to recognize his legitimacy.
Mikheil Kavelashvili was sworn in as Georgia's president in a ceremony at the Parliament in the capital Tbilisi, amid weeks of protests and the refusal of Western leaders to stand aside.
Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili said Sunday in a mock speech to hundreds of supporters outside the presidential palace that she was leaving but remained in official office.
“This parody, which is being played in the parliament, is a real story that the country did not deserve,” Zourabichvili said.
He also said that Mr. Kavelashvili was not elected properly, as the MPs who nominated him were elected in the parliamentary elections of October which he says were known to be rigged.
The European Union leader and the protesters want a new vote to replace the proposed election.
The ruling Georgian Dream party and the country's electoral commission say the October election was free and fair.
Kavelashvili, 53, a former national football player, swore an oath on the Bible and the constitution of Georgia, and vowed to serve the country in times of political crisis.
According to local reports, there were no large demonstrations outside the parliament buildings when Kavelashvili was sworn in.
A well-elected president
The ruling party, which controls parliament, also says Kavelashvili is the best-elected president.
The Georgian Dream party threatened Zourabichvili with prison if he refused to leave the presidential palace in central Tbilisi.
The Georgian Dream-led government has suspended the EU negotiations that have sparked mass protests.
Opponents of the Georgian Dream argue that it is steering Tbilisi towards Moscow rather than towards the Caucasus country's long-term goal of joining the EU.
