The ruling party of Georgia has nominated former football player Mikheil Kavelashvili as their candidate for president.

The presidential candidate from the ruling party "Georgian Dream" is former footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili. He was introduced by the party's founder and honorary chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili, reported the NEWSGEORGIA portal on Wednesday, November 27.

It is noted that Kavelashvili is among the deputies who separated from "Georgian Dream" to join the "Power of the People" party. The latter is known for its anti-Western rhetoric and support for "traditional values." According to opposition party member Khatia Dekanoidze, who is quoted by "Echo of the Caucasus," Kavelashvili is one of the most ardent critics of the USA and the EU. The athlete has also condemned the current president of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili.

Bidzina Ivanishvili stated that Kavelashvili should become the new president of Georgia, as he is the "best embodiment of a Georgian man," a wonderful family man, and is distinguished by honesty, fairness, patriotism, and principledness.

What is known about Mikheil Kavelashvili

Mikheil Kavelashvili was born on July 22, 1971, in Tbilisi. There is no information about his education. Kavelashvili began his football career at Tbilisi's "Lokomotiv," then moved to "Dinamo," where he became a six-time champion of Georgia. In 1995, he transferred to the Vladikavkaz club "Spartak-Alania," with which he also won the championship.

In 1995, he signed a contract with "Manchester City." After the club was relegated from the Premier League, Kavelashvili was loaned to the Swiss club "Grasshopper." For the next ten years, he played for various Swiss clubs. Mikheil Kavelashvili ended his football career in 2008.

The 53-year-old Kavelashvili was also a member of the Georgian Parliament in the IX and X convocations. In this year's elections, he was elected to the XI convocation of Parliament on the list from "Georgian Dream."

It is worth noting that on November 26, the new Parliament of Georgia voted to hold presidential elections on December 14. For the first time, the country's president will be elected not by citizens but by an Electoral College. Media speculate that opposition deputies will likely not participate in the voting, as they do not recognize the legitimacy of this parliament.