Source:

02.05.2005 - CIA World Factbook 2005: Executive branch - overview ("02.05.2005 - CIA World Factbook 2005") [ID 4674]

"Executive branch:
chief of state: President Mikheil SAAKASHVILI (since 25 January 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government for the power ministries: state security (includes interior) and defense
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 4 January 2004 (next to be held NA 2009)
election results: Mikheil SAAKASHVILI elected president; percent of vote - Mikheil SAAKASHVILI 96.3%, Temur SHASHIASHVILI 1.9%
cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers
head of government: President Mikheil SAAKASHVILI (since 25 January 2004); Prime Minister Zurab NOGHAIDELI (since 17 February 2005); note - the president is the chief of state and head of government for the power ministries: state security (includes interior) and defense; the prime minister is head of the remaining ministries of government"

Document(s): 02.05.2005 - CIA World Factbook 2005

10.06.2008 - Source: Human Rights Watch

According to HRW, government should repeal legislation that lowers minimum age of criminal responsibility to 12 years ("Raise Age of Criminal Responsibility") [ID 23415]

Document(s): Open document

28.03.2008 - Source: BBC News

Court sentences ex-defence minister Irakli Okruashvili to 11 years in jail in absentia ("Georgia jails fugitive politician") [ID 22679]

Document(s): Open document

31.01.2008 - Source: Civil Georgia

Opposition politician Okruashvili released from prison in France, but put under house arrest; he was arrested in Germany in November after Georgia had charged him with large-scale bribery ("Okruashvili Released, but under House Arrest") [ID 22231]

Document(s): Open document

29.01.2008 - Source: Civil Georgia

Twelve opposition parties sign joint 17-point memorandum and warn of “permanent protest rallies” if their demands are not met ("12 Opposition Parties Lay Out Demands") [ID 22230]

Document(s): Open document

24.01.2008 - Source: EurasiaNet

Prime Minister Gurgenidze announces large-scale cabinet reorganisation ("PM announces cabinet shake-up") [ID 22225]

Document(s): Open document

24.01.2008 - Source: Civil Georgia

List of ministerial nominees, new and abolished posts ("List of Would-Be Ministers") [ID 22226]

Document(s): Open document

17.01.2008 - Source: EurasiaNet

Plans to reorganise public television are being touted as sign of breakthrough in continuing stand-off between government and nine-party opposition coalition ("Public television reform: A peace offering for opposition?") [ID 22221]

Document(s): Open document

10.01.2008 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Preterm presidential election on January 5, intended to provide endorsement of incumbent Mikhail Saakashvili's track record, has instead underscored extent to which his support has plummeted since his election in January 2004 ("Analysis: Presidential Election Leaves Bitter Aftertaste") [ID 22006]

Document(s): Open document

25.12.2007 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Article on the political developments since Saakashvili's seizure of power ("Failure To Communicate Dogged Saakashvili's First Term") [ID 21894]

Document(s): Open document

21.12.2007 - Source: EurasiaNet

Two international reports issued by Human Rights Watch and International Crisis Group charge that authorities excessively use force, warn of creeping authoritarianism ("Reports slam government for use of force, authoritarian tendencies") [ID 21888]

Document(s): Open document

19.12.2007 - Source: Civil Georgia

International Crisis Group wants Western countries to put pressure on Georgia to stop creeping authoritarianism ("ICG: West Must Press Georgia to Stop Creeping Authoritarianism") [ID 21880]

Document(s): Open document

28.11.2007 - Source: EurasiaNet

Article on the arrest of ex-defence minister Okruashvili in Germany on 27 November 2007 on an Interpol warrant ("Georgia’s Ex-Defense Minister Arrested In Germany") [ID 21777]

Document(s): Open document

27.11.2007 - Source: EurasiaNet

Chairman of the Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA), Giorgi Chkheidze, argues that disclosure of investigation material with investigations still pending is illegal; procedure performed by government in order to substantiate accusations against opposition ("Many Georgians are wary of possible wiretaps") [ID 21775]

Document(s): Open document

22.11.2007 - Source: Institute for War and Peace Reporting

President Saakashvili announces social welfare to be one of his government's priorities; critics argue his words to be pre-election promises to be kept only partially ("Saakashvili Woos the People") [ID 21712]

Document(s): Open document

20.11.2007 - Source: Civil Georgia

Government is set to cease all investigations into property disputed between the state and individuals or firms ("Authorities to Legalize Disputed Private Property") [ID 21708]

Document(s): Open document

19.11.2007 - Source: Civil Georgia

Prime Minister in-waiting Lado Gurgenidze announces plans to increase monthly minimal pensions from GEL 38 to 55 in December; for 2008 pensions should than be raised to GEL 76 ("Increased Pensions Planned") [ID 21706]

Document(s): Open document

18.11.2007 - Source: Civil Georgia

President Saakashvili defends practice of phone tapping; phone-lines of criminal suspects, but also of politicians and journalists have been tapped recently ("Saakashvili Defends Phone Tapping") [ID 21705]

Document(s): Open document

16.11.2007 - Source: Civil Georgia

Lado Gurgenidze, chairman of Supervisory Board of the Bank of Georgia, nominated by President Saakashvili for the position of Prime Minister ("Saakashvili Nominates BOG Chief as Prime Minister") [ID 21653]

Document(s): Open document

16.11.2007 - Source: BBC News

President lifts state of emergency imposed last week, replaces prime minister ("Georgia ends state of emergency") [ID 21655]

Document(s): Open document

14.11.2007 - Source: Civil Georgia

President Saakashvili announced on 14 November 2007 a presidential pardon for 1,000 prisoners with minor charges; the sentences of 2,000 more prisoners will be decreased ("Presidential Pardon for 1,000 Prisoners") [ID 21638]

Document(s): Open document

14.11.2007 - Source: Civil Georgia

Tbilisi: Following a Prosecutor’s Office request, a court ruled on 14 November 2007 that former defence minister Okruashvili has to be taken into police custody again ("Court Order for Okruashvili's Detention") [ID 21640]

Document(s): Open document

07.11.2007 - Source: Civil Georgia

Statement of a member of the ruling party saying that police was forcefully attacked by demonstrators and reacted accordingly ("Officials: Protesters Used Force Against Police") [ID 21558]

Document(s): Open document

09.10.2007 - Source: EurasiaNet

Former defence minister Irakli Okruashvili released on bail; pleads guilty and recants accusations against President Saakashvili; opposition believes Okruashvili acted under duress ("Okruashvili released from prison, recants accusations") [ID 21314]

Document(s): Open document

08.10.2007 - Source: Civil Georgia

Irakli Okruashvili’s former lawyer says she was denied access to her client after General Prosecutor’s Office released video footage of his testimony; she claims his confession was made under pressure ("Row over Okruashvili’s Lawyers") [ID 21260]

Document(s): Open document

01.10.2007 - Source: EurasiaNet

President Saakashvili denies allegations of murder and corruption made against him by former defence minister Okruashvili on 29 September 2007; Saakashvili sees Okruashvilis arrest as a proof of a functioning law system ("Saakashvili Responds To Accusations, But Opposition Fights On") [ID 21254]

Document(s): Open document

28.09.2007 - Source: Civil Georgia

MP from the ruling party has warned the opposition to refrain from any violent actions after opposition parties called for mass protest rallies to challenge the arrest of ex-Defence Minister Okruashvili ("Ruling Party Sends Strong Warning") [ID 21250]

Document(s): Open document

28.09.2007 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Interview with former Defence Minister Irakli Okruashvili, who accused President Mikheil Saakashvili of ordering the murder of political opponents ("Ex-Minister Talks To RFE/RL Prior To Arrest") [ID 21252]

Document(s): Open document

27.09.2007 - Source: BBC News

Politician arrested for corruption after alleging president ordered him to plan assassinations ("Georgia holds president's ex-ally") [ID 21245]

Document(s): Open document

25.09.2007 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

A former member of the administration, Irakli Okruashvili, has accused President Mikheil Saakashvili of "ordering murders" ("Ex-Minister Says Georgian Leader Ordered Killings") [ID 21181]

Document(s): Open document

25.09.2007 - Source: Civil Georgia

President’s spokesman arrested and charged with extortion, deputy prosecutor general says ("Saakashvili's Spokesman Arrested for ‘Extortion’") [ID 21182]

Document(s): Open document

25.08.2007 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Court has convicted 12 followers of an exiled opposition leader of plotting to overthrow the government and sentenced them to up to 8 1/2 years in prison ("Court In Georgia Convicts 12 Of Plotting A Coup") [ID 20969]

Document(s): Open document

24.08.2007 - Source: Civil Georgia

13 people from parties and organisations affiliated with wanted ex-security chief Igor Giorgadze’s Justice Party have been sentenced to jail after court found them guilty of plotting coup ("Court Jails ‘Coup Plotters’") [ID 20968]

Document(s): Open document

03.05.2007 - Source: Institute for War and Peace Reporting

Rise of consumer gas prices by averagely 30 per cent and rise in bread prices; government blamed for not limiting steep increase ("Energy Price Rise Rattles Georgia") [ID 19822]

Document(s): Open document

24.07.2006 - Source: Civil Georgia

Parliament approved slightly reshuffled cabinet on July 24 ("Slightly Reshuffled Cabinet Wins Confidence Vote") [ID 16926]

"Parliament approved with 151 to 0 votes slightly reshuffled cabinet on July 24. [...] The cabinet features only two new members - Merab Antadze, currently Deputy Foreign Minister, is nominated as State Minister for Conflict Resolution Issues replacing Giorgi Khaindrava and MP Davit Tkeshelashvili is nominated as Environment Minister replacing Giorgi Papuashvili. [...]  In his address to the Parliament on July 24 PM Zurab Nogaideli stressed that no changes in the government’s policy is planned and the authorities’ priorities still remain peaceful restoration of country’s territorial integrity, creation of new jobs in a private sector, infrastructure development, integration into the Euro-Atlantic structures, creation of an effective local-self governance, independent and effective judiciary system and sustainable energy sector."

Document(s): Open document

21.07.2006 - Source: Civil Georgia

President Saakashvili replaced the sixth minister which led to resignation of entire cabinet ("Cabinet Resigns after New Nomination ") [ID 16925]

Document(s): Open document

31.03.2006 - Source: EurasiaNet

After arresting a official for spying against the government, president starts campaign against espionage, promising spies amnesty, if they give up by 1 May ("Georgia Pursues Campaign against Espionage") [#48353],  [ID 4521]

Document(s): Open document

30.03.2006 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Protests against president Saakashvili and government in Tbilisi; protesters demand resignation and early elections ("Proteste gegen Präsident Saakaschwili und Regierung in Tbilisi; Demonstranten fordern Rücktritt und rasche Neuwahlen") [#47946],  [ID 4522]

Document(s): Open document

29.03.2006 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

After violent suppression of a prison riot, authorities speak of a conspiracy of the criminal underworld and the opposition to destabilize the country; government faces demonstrations and mounting domestic criticism ("Georgia: Prison Riot Fuels Destabilization Theory") [#47805],  [ID 4523]

Document(s): Open document

23.02.2005 - Source:

Chiefs of State and Cabinet Members: Georgia ("http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/chiefs/chiefs67.html") [ID 4675]

"President Mikheil SAAKASHVILI
Speaker, Parliament Nino BURJANADZE
Prime Minister Zurab NOGHAIDELI
Dep. Prime Minister Kote KEMULARIA
Dep. Prime Minister Vano MERABISHVILI
Min. of Agriculture Niko SIMONISHVILI
Min. of Culture Giorgi GABASHVILI
Min. of Defense Irakli OKRUASHVILI
Min. of Economics & Infrastructure Alexi ALEXISHVILI
Min. of Education & Science Kakha LOMAIA
Min. of Energy Nika GILAURI
Min. of Environment Giorgi PAPUASHVILI
Min. of Finance Valeri CHECHELASHVILI
Min. of Foreign Affairs Salome ZOURABICHVILI
Min. of Health & Social Welfare Lado CHIPASHVILI
Min. of Interior Vano MERABISHVILI
Min. of Justice Kote KEMULARIA
Min. of Refugees Eter ASTEMIROVA
State Min. for European Integration Giorgi BARAMIDZE
State Min. for Separatist Conflicts Goga KHAINDRAVA
State Min. for Small & Medium-Size Businesses Kakha BENDUKIDZE
State Min. for National Reconciliation Zinaida BESTAYEVA
Prosecutor General Zurab ADEISHVILI
Sec., National Security Council Gela BEZHUASHVILI
Chmn., National Bank Irakli MANAGADZE
Ambassador to the US Levan MIKELADZE
Permanent Representative to the UN, New York Revaz ADAMIA"

Document(s): http://www.odci.gov/cia/publications/chiefs/chiefs67.html

18.02.2005 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Analysis on the political role of Georgia's new prime minister Zurab Noghaideli ("Analysis: Why Noghaideli As Georgia's New Prime Minister?") [#29199],  [ID 4676]

Document(s): Open document

09.02.2005 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Zurab Nogaideli, who served as Zhvania's finance minister, nominated new prime minister by presindet Saakashvili ("Georgia: President Nominates New Premier") [#29197],  [ID 4677]

Document(s): Open document

05.02.2005 - Source: Civil Georgia

Tbilisi: Prime minister Zurab Zhvania found dead in apartment of deputy governor of Kvemo Kartli region ("Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania Found Dead") [#43272],  [ID 4570]

Document(s): Open document

03.02.2005 - Source: EurasiaNet

Tbilisi: prime minister Zhvania and deputy governor of Kvemo-Kartli region found dead in an apartment, apparently victims of carbon-monoxide poisoning; initial investigation indicated that theirs deaths were accidental ("Authorities declare Georgian prime minister's death an accident") [#28777],  [ID 4678]

Document(s): Open document

28.06.2004 - Source: EurasiaNet

Report on the political landscape: Republican Party’s split with Georgia’s ruling party emphasizes the National Movement bloc’s transformation into guardians of the political status quo ("Saakashvili’s Rupture With Republicans Signals Power Consolidation") [#23609],  [ID 4572]

"The Republican Party’s split with Georgia’s ruling party emphasizes the National Movement bloc’s transformation into guardians of the political status quo.

While Saakashvili-Victorious Ajaria’s overwhelming landslide in Ajaria’s June 20 parliamentary elections prompted the schism, the division has been long in the making. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. Since the November 2003 Rose Revolution, the National Movement has shed its revolutionary past to focus on preserving Georgia’s political stability and building a strong, central government. The Republican Party, better known for its intellectual credentials than its political moxie, has hence found itself increasingly isolated.

The party’s disappointing showing at last week’s Ajarian polls appeared to put a seal on that isolation. [For background see the Eurasia Insight archive]. With only two of the regional parliament’s 30 seats held by Republican Party members, the impetus for governance in Ajaria now lies firmly with Saakashvili. Republican accusations of electoral fraud will do little to change that scenario.

But while the fallout over election results prompted this division, the disagreement does not depend on the vote count alone."

Document(s): Open document

01.06.2004 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Kakha Bendukidze, a Georgian-born businessman working in Russia, appointed to be Georgia's economy minister ("Georgia Appoints Tycoon As Economy Minister") [#22927],  [ID 4679]

"Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania has announced that one of Russia's richest tycoons has been appointed to be Georgia's economy minister.


Zhvania said today that Kakha Bendukidze, a Georgian-born businessman working in Russia, is due in Tbilisi on 2 June to take up the post."

Document(s): Open document

28.04.2004 - Source:

Parliament of Georgia: Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania ("28.04.2004 - Parliament of Georgia: Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania") [ID 4680]

"Zurab Zhvania was born on December 9, 1963 in Tbilisi. In 1980 he graduated from First Experimental School, and in 1985 – from the Tbilisi Ivane Javakhishvili State University, Faculty of Biology.

In 1985-1992 he worked as the senior laboratory assistant on the Human and Animal Physiology Faculty at the State University and as the junior research officer.

In 1988-1993 he was the Chairman of the Central Council of the “Greens of Georgia”, the Speaker of the Greens’ Party and the Chairman of the European Greens’ Union.

Since June, 1992 till November he was the Chairman of the Commission On Ecology of the State Council of Georgia.

In 1992-1995 – the Member of Parliament of Georgia, the Chairman of the Greens’ Faction, the Deputy-Chairman of the Commission On Foreign Affairs.

In 1995-1999 he was the Member of Parliament of Georgia, the Chairman of Parliament of Georgia.

In 2001 on the ground of personal reference he retired from the post of the Chairman of Parliament of Georgia.

In 1993-2001 he was the Member of the Union of Citizens of Georgia and since 2002 he is the Chairman of the “Unified Democrats”.

In 2002 he was granted the prize of “Open Society – Georgia”."

Document(s): 28.04.2004 - Parliament of Georgia: Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania

26.04.2004 - Source:

Parliament of Georgia: List of Ministries ("26.04.2004 - Parliament of Georgia: List of Ministries") [ID 4682]

"Minister of Education and Science: Alexander (Kakha) Lomaia
Minister Of Environmental and Natural Resources Protection: Tamar Lebanidze
Minister of Economics: Irakli Rekhviashvili
Minister of Power Engineering: Nika Gilauri
Minister of Defence: Gela Bezhuashvili
Minister of Infra-structure and Development: Tamar Sulukhia
Minister of Justice: George Papuashvili
Minister of Cultural Monuments Protection and Sport: George Gabashvili
Minister of Refugees and Placement: Eter Astemirova
Minister of Foreign Affairs: Salome Zurabishvili
Minister of State Security: Zurab Adeishvili
Minister of Agriculture: David Shervashidze
Minister of Finances: Zurab Noghaideli
Minister of Home Affairs: George Baramidze
Minister of Labour, Health and Social Protection: George Tsereteli"

Document(s): 26.04.2004 - Parliament of Georgia: List of Ministries

19.04.2004 - Source: Prima News

Interior Ministry to be totally restructured ("Interior Ministry reform in Georgia") [#21463],  [ID 4576]

Document(s): Open document

19.04.2004 - Source:

Parliament of Georgia: State Ministers: Guram Absnadze, Jambul Bakuradze, Tamar Beruchashvili, Zurab Melikishvili ("Parliament of Georgia: State Ministers: Guram Absnadze, Jambul Bakuradze, Tamar Beruchashvili, Zurab Melikishvili") [ID 4681]

"Guram Absnadze

Guram Absnadze was born in 1952 in Darcheli, Zugdidi Region. In 1974 he graduated from Tbilisi State University, Faculty of Economics, with the qualification of Finances and Credits.

Since 1975 till 1976 he worked as the economist in the Zugdidi Region Financial Division of the Ministry of Finances. Since 1977 till 1984 he worked in Moscow Melioration and Water Industry Ministry as the senior economist, as the Deputy-Head of the Division and then as the Head of the Division.

Since 1984 till 1990 he was the Head of the Board at the Ministry of Finances, the Head of the Control-Revision Board.

In November, 1990 he was appointed on the post of the Minister of Finances.

Since 1991 till 1992 he was the Deputy-Prime Minister of Georgia, the Minister of Economics and Finances.

Since December 2003 he is the Deputy-State Minister in the field of the National Accord Process.

He has a wife and three children.


Jambul Bakuradze

Jambul Bakuradze was born in 1944 in Natsuli, Lentekhi Region. In 1971 he graduated from Tbilisi State University, Economical Faculty with the qualification of Industry Planning.

Since 1972 till 1977 he worked in Tbilisi Trade Centre on the various posts. Since 1985 till 1987 he was the Deputy-Director and then the Director of the Universal Store "Tbilisi".

Since 1988 till 1991 he was the First Deputy-Head of the Tbilisi Trade Board, and then the Head of the Board. Since 1992 he is the Vice-President of the Society "Aragvi 77". Since 1995 he is the General Director of the Universal Store "Tbilisi".

Since 1999 he ws the Member of Parliament. Since 2002 - the Deputy-Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee On Taxes and Incomes.

Since December 2003 he is the Deputy State Minister in the field of Small and Average Business.

He speaks Russian.

He has a wife and two children.


Tamar Beruchashvili

Tamar G. Beruchashvili was born in 1961 in Tbilisi. In 1985 she graduated from Moscow Patrice Lumumba People's Friendship Institute. In 1992 she graduated from the UNESCO International Management Centre. She has been granted the qualification of Chemist, Interpreter of French Language and the State Management Master's qualification.

In 1986-1991 she worked as the laboratorian in the Kutateladze Pharmacological-chemical Institute at the Academy of Sciences. In 1991-1993 she was the Senior Specialist in the Ministry of Science and Technology. In 1993 she was appointed on the post of the State Advisor in the Coordination Bureau of the Management European Union Technical Aid Program "TACIS" at the Cabinet of Ministers of Georgia. In 1994-1995 she worked as the Project Administrator-advisor in the same Bureau and then as the Deputy-Executive Director and as the Senior Specialist.

In 1996 she has been sent to Indiana University, USA. She has passed the Master's Courses and has been granted the Master's Degree in the State Management Field. During the period of study she has passed the Post-graduated Courses in Washington Strategic and International Research Centre.

Since June, 1998 till June, 2000 she was the Deputy-Minister and then the Minister of Trade and Foreign-Economical Relations.

Since June, 2000 till December 2003 she was the Deputy-Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Since December 2003 she is the Deputy State Minister in the Field of Priority European Integration Policy Coordination. She has been granted the Status of the European Union Programs National Coordinator.

She speaks English, French, Russian.

She has a husband and two children.


George Khaindrava

George Khaindrava was born in 1956 in Tbilisi. In 1979 he graduated from Politechnical Institute, Geological Faculty. In 1984 he graduated from the Theatrical Institute, Cinematographic Faculty.

Since 1988 up-today he is the Leader of the "Theatrical Institute Studio". Since 1991 he is the Studio "TMS" General Director.

In 1992-1993 he was the State Minister On Abkhazia Issues.

In different years he has made various films. He was the Member of the National Congress Presidium, the Chairman of the Commission On Human Rights.

Since December 2003 he is the Deputy State Minister in the Field of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Regions Conflict Regulation.

He spkeas English, Russian.

He has a wife and two children.


Zurab Melikishvili

The Minister of the Regional Policy and Local Self-Governance and Relations with the Governmental Instances."

Document(s): Parliament of Georgia: State Ministers: Guram Absnadze, Jambul Bakuradze, Tamar Beruchashvili, Zurab Melikishvili

29.03.2004 - Source:

Parliament of Georgia: On January 4, 2004 Mikheil Saakashvili was elected by the majority of votes as the President of Georgia [ID 4683]

"He was born in 1967 in Tbilisi. In 1984 he graduated from Tbilisi School N51 with honors and graduated with honors from Kiev University, Institute of International Relations, Faculty of Law. He defended the Law Master's Degree in New York Columbia University, Juridical Faculty where he studied as the Scholar of Congress of USA.

In 1995-1996 he studied at Washington University National Juridical Centre Post-graduate Courses. He has been granted the Diploma of Strasbourg Human Rights International Institute in France on Human Rights Comparative Law.

He worked in Norway Human Rights Institute, in Human Rights Protection State Committee of Georgia, in one of the greatest Law Office "Paterson ..." in New York .

Since December 1995 he was elected as the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee On Constitution, Juridical Issues and Legacy.

In 1997 he was unanimously recognised as the Man of the Year by Georgian Media and NGOs.

Since August, 1998 he was elected as the Chairman of the Faction "Union of Citizens".

On October 31, 1999 he was elected as the Member of Parliament from Vake District E.D. N2 by the Majoritary system.

Since January, 2000 he is the Vice-President of the European Council Parliamentary Assembly.

Since October 12, 2000 he was appointed on the post of the Minister of Justice.

On October 21, 2000, he was re-elected as the Member of Parliament by the population of Vake District.

In June 2002, he was elected as the Chairman of Tbilisi Assembly ("Sakrebulo") - in effect, the city's mayor - following an agreement between the National Movement and the Georgian Labor Party.
Georgia held the Parliamentary Elections on November 2, 2003 which were denounced by local and international observers as being grossly rigged. Saakashvilli claimed a landslide victory and urged Georgians to demonstrate against Shevardnadze's government and engage in nonviolent civil disobedience against the authorities. He joined forces with other opposition groups to demand the ouster of Shevardnadze and the rerun of the Elections.

Massive political demonstrations (the so-called "revolution of roses") were held in Tblisi on November 20-23, with over 100,000 people participating and listening to speeches by Saaskashvili and other opposition figures. After an increasingly tense two weeks of demonstrations, Shevardnadze bowed to the inevitable and resigned as President on November 23, to be replaced on an interim basis by Parliamentary Speaker, Nino Burjanadze.

On January 4, 2004 he was elected by the majority of votes as the President of Georgia."

Document(s): Open document