Leaders of armed opposition declare the President Zviad Gamsakhurdia deposed during a military coup in Georgia.

The President of Georgia, officially known in Georgian as საქართველოს პრეზიდენტი (romanized: sakartvelos p'rezident'i), holds the esteemed position of the ceremonial head of state. This pivotal role also designates the President as the commander-in-chief of the nation's Defense Forces, embodying Georgia's sovereignty and security. As outlined in the Georgian constitution, the presidential office is explicitly defined as "the guarantor of the country’s unity and national independence," underscoring its symbolic yet crucial responsibility in upholding the nation's cohesion and self-determination.

In line with many modern parliamentary democracies, the Georgian presidency is largely a figurehead position. This means that while the President represents the state and performs significant symbolic duties, the primary executive authority and day-to-day governance responsibilities are vested in the Government, led by the Prime Minister. This clear distinction ensures a balance of power within Georgia's political system, where the Prime Minister and the Cabinet are accountable to the Parliament, while the President serves as a unifying national symbol.

The office of the President was first formally established by the Supreme Council of the Republic of Georgia on April 14, 1991. This landmark decision came swiftly, merely five days after Georgia's momentous declaration of independence from the Soviet Union on April 9, 1991, signifying the rapid formation of new national institutions. The President serves a fixed five-year term, providing stability to the head of state position.

The incumbent President is Salome Zourabichvili. Her presidency marks a significant transition in Georgia's political landscape. Due to a series of constitutional amendments, specifically those adopted in 2017, Georgia transitioned to a fully parliamentary system. Consequently, President Zourabichvili is the last president to be elected directly by popular vote of the citizens. Future presidents will be elected indirectly by a 300-member electoral college, comprising members of Parliament and representatives of local self-governing bodies, further solidifying Georgia's shift towards a parliamentary model.

Georgia's First Post-Soviet President: Zviad Gamsakhurdia

Zviad Konstantines dze Gamsakhurdia (Georgian: ზვიად კონსტანტინეს ძე გამსახურდია; romanized: zviad gamsakhurdia; Russian: Звиад Константинович Гамсахурдия; romanized: Zviad Konstantinovich Gamsakhurdiya) was a towering figure in Georgia's modern history, born on March 31, 1939, and passing away on December 31, 1993. He was a multifaceted individual: a prominent Georgian politician, a courageous dissident who challenged Soviet rule, a respected scholar, and a prolific writer. Gamsakhurdia emerged as a leading voice in Georgia's national liberation movement during the twilight years of the Soviet Union.

His historical significance is profound as he became the very first democratically elected President of Georgia in the post-Soviet era. His election in May 1991, shortly after the nation's independence, symbolized the aspirations of a newly sovereign state. Tragically, Gamsakhurdia holds the unique distinction of being the only Georgian President to have died while formally in office, a testament to the turbulent and transformative period of Georgia's early independence.

Frequently Asked Questions about the President of Georgia

What is the primary role of the President of Georgia?
The President of Georgia serves as the ceremonial head of state and the commander-in-chief of the Defense Forces. The office is constitutionally defined as "the guarantor of the country’s unity and national independence." While representing the nation symbolically, executive power rests with the Government and the Prime Minister.
How is the President of Georgia currently elected?
Following constitutional amendments in 2017, the President of Georgia is now elected indirectly by a 300-member electoral college, which includes Members of Parliament and representatives of local self-governing bodies. The current President, Salome Zourabichvili, is the last to have been directly elected by popular vote.
What is the difference between the President and the Prime Minister in Georgia?
In Georgia's parliamentary system, the President is the ceremonial head of state, focused on symbolic duties, safeguarding the constitution, and representing the country. The Prime Minister, on the other hand, is the head of government, holding executive power and leading the cabinet responsible for the day-to-day administration and policy implementation.
Who was the first President of independent Georgia?
Zviad Gamsakhurdia was the first democratically elected President of independent Georgia. He was a prominent dissident and leader of the national liberation movement who assumed office in May 1991, shortly after Georgia declared independence from the Soviet Union.