Georgia, a country at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has gone through many changes since it became independent. This post gives an overview of Georgia’s presidents, arranged in the order they served, with some key points about their time in office.
Lists of Presidents of Georgia
| President | Years of Service |
|---|---|
| Zviad Gamsakhurdia | 1991-1992 |
| Eduard Shevardnadze | 1995-2003 |
| Mikheil Saakashvili | 2004-2013 |
| Giorgi Margvelashvili | 2013-2018 |
| Salome Zourabichvili | 2018-present |
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The First President of Georgia: Zviad Gamsakhurdia
Zviad Gamsakhurdia was Georgia’s first president, elected in 1991. He played a key role in leading the country to independence from the Soviet Union. His strong belief in Georgian nationalism was central to his leadership.
Achievements:
- Independence: Gamsakhurdia’s biggest achievement was leading Georgia to independence in 1991.
- National Unity: He worked hard to promote a unified Georgian identity during the early days of independence.
Downsides:
- Instability: His presidency was short because his leadership style led to unrest, resulting in his overthrow in 1992.
The Current President of Georgia: Salome Zourabichvili
Salome Zourabichvili is the current president of Georgia, having taken office in 2018. She is the first woman to hold this position and is known for her pro-European stance.
Achievements:
- Pro-European Stance: Zourabichvili has supported Georgia’s move toward closer ties with Europe and NATO.
- Gender Milestone: As Georgia’s first female president, she represents a significant step forward for gender equality.
Downsides:
- Limited Role: Zourabichvili’s powers are largely symbolic due to changes in the constitution that reduced the role of the president.
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Vice President of Georgia
Georgia does not have a vice president. The country has a semi-presidential system, where the Prime Minister holds more power, and the President’s role is more symbolic.
Conclusion
The history of Georgia’s leadership reflects the nation’s broader struggles and successes as it has grown into an independent country. From Gamsakhurdia’s efforts to secure independence to Zourabichvili’s historic election as the first female president, each leader has left their mark on the country.
Despite the challenges, including political instability and corruption, Georgia’s leaders have helped shape its path forward, influencing how the nation interacts with the world.