Protests in Tbilisi Persist Following Parliamentary Elections

Mass protests continue in Tbilisi following the parliamentary elections held on October 26, whose results are deemed fraudulent by the opposition.

Demonstrators demand new elections and the release of detained participants of the protests.

 

Causes of the Protests

 

The primary cause of public dissatisfaction is the parliamentary election results, which the opposition and independent observers consider rigged.

Citizens have taken to the streets with demands to:

  • Annul the election results;
  • Hold new elections under international supervision;
  • Remove the government, which protesters view as a symbol of authoritarianism and a departure from democratic principles.

The epicenter of the protests is Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi, where thousands gather daily near the parliament building, waving national flags and European symbols.

Key slogans include “Georgia is Europe” and “No to Autocracy!”

 

 

Position of the Ruling Party

 

The ruling party, "Georgian Dream", firmly denies accusations of electoral fraud, asserting that the elections were fair and met international standards. Party leaders claim the protests are instigated by opposition forces seeking to destabilize the country. Irakli Kobakhidze, the party leader, described Western and opposition pressure as "direct interference in domestic affairs" and referred to the protests as an attempt to ignite a "color revolution" in Georgia.

 

 

European Response

 

European politicians have expressed concern over the political crisis in Georgia. Leaders from EU countries like Germany, Lithuania, and Poland condemned possible violations of democratic processes and urged dialogue between the parties. Several European parliamentarians have visited Georgia to show support for the protesters.

The European Commission released a statement emphasizing the importance of maintaining Georgia’s European trajectory. European politicians also called on Georgian Dream to heed the citizens' demands to avoid further international isolation.

Despite these appeals, the Georgian government has declined to meet with certain European representatives, accusing them of supporting the opposition.

 

 

Opposition: Demands and Strategy

 

Opposition parties, including United National Movement and Lelo for Georgia, are calling for immediate new elections. They accuse Georgian Dream of clinging to power at any cost and warn against a dangerous alignment with Russia, which they believe jeopardizes Georgia's future as a European nation.

Role of Civil Society

Civil society plays a crucial role in supporting the protests. Non-governmental organizations and youth movements actively organize demonstrations, public discussions, and social media campaigns. They emphasize that their struggle is not just political but a fight for the values of democracy, freedom of speech, and European identity.

International Pressure and Georgia’s Future

The situation in Georgia has drawn significant international attention. While European countries attempt to mediate the conflict, Russia remains officially silent, further fueling opposition suspicions of Moscow’s influence over the ruling party.

The political crisis underscores deep divisions within Georgian society, affecting not only domestic politics but also its foreign policy orientation. As Georgia aspires to European integration, it faces a critical choice: maintain stability or risk reforms for a democratic future.

 

 

Timeline of Events

 

  • October 28, 2024: Mass protests began after the preliminary election results showed Georgian Dream winning a parliamentary majority. Protesters alleged fraud, demanding a recount and new elections. President Salome Zourabichvili voiced her support for the protesters, stating, "I stand with the people. This resistance will not end until new elections are held."
     
  • November 2024: The ruling party announced a suspension of EU accession negotiations until the end of 2028. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze justified the decision as a rejection of "humiliating conditions" from European politicians. The decision sparked protests in major cities, including Tbilisi, Kutaisi, and Batumi. Demonstrators accused the government of betraying national interests and violating the Constitution.  Protests escalated as opposition parties and activists organized rallies demanding the annulment of election results and new elections. The government responded with heavy-handed measures, including dispersing demonstrations and mass arrests using water cannons, pepper spray, and tear gas. The U.S. State Department announced a suspension of strategic partnership talks with Georgia and imposed visa restrictions on those undermining democracy. The EU hinted at similar sanctions.
     
  • December 2024: Despite worsening weather, protests continued. Demonstrators set up tent camps in central Tbilisi, blocking major streets and demanding the government’s resignation. Over 200 people were detained within the first weeks, with allegations of police brutality. Human rights groups reported that 65% of detainees experienced severe mistreatment.
     
  • December 3, 2024: Georgian Ombudsman Levan Ioseliani accused the police of torturing protesters. Over five days, the ombudsman’s office documented severe injuries among detainees.
     
  • December 11, 2024: Parliament passed a law banning the use of fireworks, lasers, and facial coverings during protests. Another bill stripped President Salome Zourabichvili of state protection after her term.
     
  • December 14, 2024: The ruling party nominated Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former footballer with no higher education, as their sole candidate for the presidency. The opposition boycotted parliamentary sessions, refusing to participate in the election.
     
  • December 19, 2024: The U.S. and the UK coordinated sanctions against Georgian officials involved in media repression and violence against protesters.
     
  • December 22, 2024: President Zourabichvili addressed protesters, supporting calls for new elections by December 29. Prime Minister Kobakhidze threatened her with imprisonment if she continued advocating for elections.
     
  • December 25, 2024: Diplomatic representatives were excluded from the inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili, whose legitimacy is disputed by both Zourabichvili and the opposition. The event will proceed on December 29 without foreign diplomats.
     
  • December 29, 2024:  Salome Zourabichvili has left the Orbeliani Palace.

    "Thank you for the fact that today we stand here. On the other side, there is emptiness; on this side, there is society. Over there, everything is behind closed doors, but we are here, outside, because we fear nothing, not even bars.

    Six years ago, I took an oath, placing my hand on the Constitution, but more importantly, I swore loyalty to the country and its people. That is why I am here today, and that loyalty remains unchanged, whether I am in the palace or outside its walls. From here, I will walk out with you and stand with you.

    I am taking legitimacy with me, I am taking the flag with me, and I am taking what is called your trust with me."

Protests persist across Tbilisi and other cities, with demonstrators planning to usher in the New Year on Rustaveli Avenue as a sign of defiance against the government and a demand for democratic reforms.

The situation remains tense, and the coming weeks will be decisive for Georgia’s future trajectory.