The former footballer Mikheil kavelashvili Next month he will score the goal of his life. Transformed years ago into a hardline, anti-Western politician, he was once barred from running for president of the football federation in 2025 because he has no higher education – the closest thing, his football coaching license obtained in Switzerland in 2006 Now it was nominated by the majority party of georgia be the next president of the countryposition for which no higher education qualification is required.
“I am confident that Mikheil Kavelashvili will fully restore the dignity temporarily stolen from the presidential institution,” proclaimed Ivanishvili, Georgia‘s richest man adn shadow leader of the ruling georgian Dream party. The opposition, critics and the current president (Salomé Zourabishvili) have harshly criticized the ruling party, which thay accused of acting too benefit Russia and distancing itself from the EU.
Kavelashvili founded his own right-wing and Eurosceptic party, People Power, after leaving the Georgian Dream in 2022. it was this faction that formally introduced the “foreign agents” law against NGOs, condemned by the opposition as repressive.
The president’s office in Georgia It is largely ceremonial. and this time he will be elected by a parliamentary body. Having just renewed its parliamentary majority in elections denounced as fraudulent, the majority party now opts for Kavelashvili, known for his anti-Western position and a certain ultra-conservative charisma that makes him popular especially outside the big cities.
“Embodiment of the Georgian man”
During his football career, he played for the Georgian national teamat Dinamo Tbilisi, and briefly at Manchester City in the mid-1990s. As a player, he especially shone as a striker. It is precisely the style that the tycoon Ivanishvili wants for his institutional project: “By his nature and his way of being,he is the embodiment of the Georgian man,” he said of his new favorite striker.
Following the example of the Georgian authorities that have controlled the country as the beginning of the last decade, Kavelashvili did accused to the political opposition in Georgia be controlled by American deputies wiht “an insatiable desire to destroy our country.” He recently said that they are planning “a violent revolution and the Ukrainization of Georgia.” In his nomination speech he accused the outgoing president of violating the Constitution.
born in 1971, Kavelashvili is married and has four children.He will almost certainly be elected after the vote on December 14th. The investiture will take place on December 29th. Kavelashvili is one of the group of former footballers who hold public office in Georgia. The former defender of Milan Kakha Kaladze He has been mayor of the capital Tbilisi since 2017; while the Schalke and Hertha Berlin player, Levan Kobiashvili, He is a member of the georgian Parliament.The country follows in the footsteps of Ukraine, where the famous boxer Vitali Klichko is the mayor of the capital.
How does Mikheil Kavelashvili engage and empower youth in his political activism?
Interview: Editor of Time.news and Expert Mikheil Kavelashvili
time.news Editor: Good evening, everyone. Welcome to Time.news, were we discuss the most pressing topics of our times. Today, we have a very special guest with us, former footballer and now influential activist, Mikheil Kavelashvili. Thank you for joining us, Mikheil.
mikheil Kavelashvili: Thank you for having me. it’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: You’ve had quite a journey from the football pitch to becoming a prominent voice in politics. Next month, you are set to score what you describe as the “goal of your life.” Can you tell us more about what this means?
Kavelashvili: Absolutely. This metaphorical goal represents my campaign for social justice and reform in my country.After years of playing football, I felt a calling to use my platform to address issues that deeply affect our communities, especially in the realm of anti-corruption and clarity in governance.
Editor: That’s commendable. You’ve transformed from a celebrated sports figure to a hardline, anti-West activist. What motivated this shift in your life?
Kavelashvili: My experiences in football taught me about teamwork and resilience. Though, seeing the disparity and challenges faced by ordinary citizens in my country pushed me to take action. I realized that I could no longer remain silent while the world around me was struggling. It became imperative for me to advocate for a change.
Editor: Your stance has garnered both supporters and critics. How do you navigate the criticism, especially coming from various segments of the society?
Kavelashvili: It’s never easy, but I focus on the bigger picture. Constructive criticism frequently enough leads to growth, and I welcome dialogues that can foster understanding.I always remind myself that those who are committed to change will face challenges, but perseverance is key.
Editor: Speaking of challenges, the political landscape is often volatile. How do you prepare for potential backlash as you push your agenda forward?
Kavelashvili: Readiness is crucial. I have built a team of dedicated individuals who share my vision, and we strategize on how to tackle any potential backlash. Moreover, I maintain open lines of interaction with the communities we serve to understand their needs, always bringing their voices into our plans.
Editor: Let’s shift gears a bit. You mentioned in previous discussions the role of youth in driving change. How important is their involvement in your campaign?
Kavelashvili: The youth are our future. They hold the key to new ideas and innovations that can propel our society forward. That’s why I invest time in engaging with young people, empowering them to take an active role in politics and encouraging them to speak out on issues that matter to them.
Editor: It sounds like a powerful mission. Before we wrap up, what final message would you like to share with our viewers who might potentially be inspired by your journey?
Kavelashvili: I want to emphasize that change is absolutely possible when we unite for a common cause. Stay informed, stay engaged, and don’t be afraid to take risks for what you believe in.Every effort counts, and together we can create a brighter future for our communities.
Editor: Thank you, Mikheil, for sharing your insights and passion with us today. we look forward to following your journey as you prepare to score that goal.
Kavelashvili: Thank you for having me. Let’s keep the conversation going!
Editor: Absolutely. And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Join us next time for more intriguing discussions on the issues that shape our world.