FORMER FOOTBALLER AND ANTI-WESTERN CRITIC MIKHEIL KAVELASHVILI IS GEORGIA’S NEW PRESIDENT

Mikheil Kavelashvili, 53, ex-Manchester City player and founder of the anti-Western People's Power party, was elected president by Georgia’s parliament.

Known for accusing the West of pushing Georgia toward war with Russia, Kavelashvili called outgoing President Zourabichvili a "chief agent" of foreign influence and vowed to restore constitutional order.

Promising unity, he blamed "radicalization and polarization" on Western meddling and pledged to focus on Georgia’s identity and independence.