Opposition MPs boycotted the new parliament, claiming falsifications.
The inauguration of the new president — former Manchester City football player Mikhail Kavelashvili from the People’s Power party, who is considered an ally of Georgian Dream — is scheduled for two days.
But outgoing President Salome Zurabishvili, who is staunchly pro-European, has said she will not step down until new elections are held.
“We strongly condemn the actions of Georgian Dream under the leadership of Ivanishvili, including its prolonged and violent repression against Georgian citizens, protesters, media representatives, human rights defenders and opposition figures,” Blinken said in a statement.
Blinken accused Georgian Dream of “continuing violent repression” against Georgian citizens, protesters, journalists, human rights activists and opposition figures, and said the party’s actions “restricted the exercise of fundamental freedoms.”
“As a result, Georgia has become vulnerable to Russia, which continues to occupy more than 20% of Georgia’s territory,” he said.
The press secretary of the US State Department, Matthew Miller, called Ivanishvili the “honorary chairman” of “Georgian Dream”.
In November, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kabakhidze said his government would not pursue EU accession talks until 2028, sparking prolonged protests.
Riot police used tear gas and water cannons against the demonstrators, who fought back by throwing fireworks and stones.
Britain has sanctioned five more high-ranking officials of Georgiaincluding the Minister of Internal Affairs, for their role in suppressing pro-European protests.
Last month, the European Parliament backed a resolution calling the elections the latest stage in Georgia’s “worsening democratic crisis.”
She expressed particular concern about reports of voter intimidation, vote bribery and manipulation, as well as harassment of observers.
