Democratic Senator Ben Cardin, chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has responded to the disputed presidential elections in Georgia. He described Mikheil Kavelashvili as an "anti-American provocateur" and an "anti-democratic figure."
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“Georgian Dream has once again revealed its true nature with the selection of notorious anti-American provocateur Mikheil Kavelashvili as its standard bearer. Mr. Kavelashvili has been a central figure in Georgia’s democratic backsliding, including his role in co-authoring the Russian-style foreign agent law,” Senator Cardin said in a statement.
He called on the Georgian Dream to immediately cease its violent attacks on innocent citizens and release all detained protesters.
“President Biden should hold accountable those responsible for orchestrating these violent acts of repression, including issuing Global Magnitsky sanctions. Now is the moment for the United States and our allies to stand strong with the people of Georgia in their pursuit of democracy and freedom,” the senator said.
The elections for the sixth president of Georgia were held in the illegitimate parliament on December 14, amid protests. The Georgian Dream party elected Mikheil Kavelashvili, the only presidential candidate nominated by the party.
Mikheil Kavelashvili, 53, is a former footballer, MP, and member of the People’s Power party, known for its anti-Western statements, but he does not have a higher education. He was nominated by Bidzina Ivanishvili, the honorary chairman of the Georgian Dream. “By his nature, if you like, by his habitus, he is the best embodiment of a Georgian man,” Ivanishvili said when presenting Kavelashvili.
Mikheil Kavelashvili’s inauguration ceremony as president is scheduled for December 29.
