Former Manchester City footballer Mikheil Kavelashvili has been appointed as Georgia’s president by the country’s contested parliament, following 17 days of pro-EU protests that have swept across Georgian towns and cities.

Kavelashvili, 53, a former MP with the increasingly authoritarian Georgian Dream party, was the sole candidate for the role. On Saturday, 224 of the 225 members of Georgia’s electoral college voted in his favor.

The appointment has sparked significant backlash, with Georgia’s four main opposition parties rejecting Kavelashvili’s election, boycotting parliament, and accusing the government of rigging the October elections.

Ahead of the vote, large crowds of demonstrators braved freezing temperatures outside parliament in Tbilisi to voice their opposition. The protests have been driven by growing public dissatisfaction with the government’s perceived pivot away from pro-European Union policies.

Outgoing pro-Western President Salome Zourabichvili condemned Kavelashvili’s appointment as illegitimate, describing it as a “travesty.” Zourabichvili asserted that she represents Georgia’s last remaining legitimate institution.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze dismissed the criticism, accusing Zourabichvili of undermining Georgia’s interests. He insisted that the government maintains control and stability, despite the protests.

“When her term ends on December 29, she will have to retire,” Kobakhidze said, asserting the strength of Georgia’s state institutions.

Georgian Dream party member Nino Tsilosani further claimed that Zourabichvili is no longer seen as president by the public, adding to the escalating political tensions.

The developments highlight deep divisions within Georgia over its political direction and its relationship with the European Union. The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for the end of Zourabichvili’s term later this month.