**Anti-Western Politician Takes Office in Georgia**
Mikheil Kavelashvili, a politician close to the ruling party Georgian Dream, was sworn in as Georgia’s new president on December 29. The opposition sees this move as illegitimate.
Georgia’s former president, Salome Zourabichvili, said she would leave the presidential palace but remains the legitimate head of state. She called Kavelashvili’s election a “mockery of democracy” and asked her supporters to rally at the palace against the ruling party.
**Protests Continue in Georgia**
Opposition parties continue to recognize Zourabichvili as the legitimate president. Protests have been ongoing since Georgian Dream claimed victory in disputed parliamentary elections last October. The government has responded with riot police and tear gas.
**Zourabichvili’s Message**
Speaking to citizens, Zourabichvili described the ruling party as “corrupt” and “illegitimate”. She vowed to continue fighting against them from outside the palace.
**International Reaction**
The US has imposed sanctions on the founder of Georgian Dream, Bidzina Ivanishvili. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze threatened Zourabichvili with arrest if she didn’t leave the presidential seat voluntarily.
**Other News**
* Azerbaijan will change its rules for Russian citizens‘ temporary stay in the country.
* The US has classified an American teacher jailed in Russia on drug charges as wrongfully detained.
* Major Russian news outlets had their Telegram channels blocked across several EU countries.
* Germany’s foreign minister said ships damaging undersea cables in the Baltic Sea is a “wake-up call” for all nations.