In Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, protests continue for the third consecutive day against the government’s decision to abandon the country’s drift towards the European Union (EU). French President Emmanuel Macron has called on Georgian authorities to release arrested protesters in a phone call with Bidzina Ivanishvili, the influential billionaire and chair of the ruling party “Georgian Dream.” Macron is the latest international figure to condemn the Georgian police’s handling of protesters, with over 400 arrests made and use of force جبال Disorders erupted after the government announced on November 28 that EU membership talks would not be reopened until 2028. Opposition leaders and journalists have also been targeted, with some injured in an attack on Saturday. Macron criticized the “intimidation” of civil society and police violence against peaceful protesters and journalists. Ivanishvili’s party stated that Macron expressed concern about the situation in Georgia and offered assistance in resolving the crisis. Thousands gathered outside the parliament building on Tuesday, with earlier protests held in other Georgian cities. Protesters demand the resignation of Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili, accusing him of attempting to orchestrate a coup. Garibashvili dismissed protesters as “violent groups” controlled by “liberal-fascist” opposition, a term often used by the Kremlin against political opponents. Tensions are expected to escalate further on December 14, when the ruling party will choose a new parliament speaker expected to be loyal to the pro-Western president Salome Zourabichvili, who has dismissed the current parliament and government as illegitimate.
Title: Daily Demonstrations Continue in Tbilisi, Georgia’s Capital, for Fourth Day
In the heart of the Caucasus, Georgia’s capital, Tbilisi, has been witnessing ongoing protests for the fourth consecutive day. The demonstrations, which started on Monday, February 21, are a response to a controversial appointment and growing discontent with the ruling Georgian Dream party’s policies.
Background
The immediate trigger for the protests was the appointment of Levan Vasadze as the new Prosecutor General. Vasadze, a former prosecutor with a controversial past, was appointed by the Georgian Dream party, sparking criticism from the opposition and civil society activists. They argue that Vasadze’s appointment is another attempt by the ruling party to consolidate power and undermines the independence of the prosecution service.
Protest Timeline
Day 1 (Monday, February 21): Thousands of protesters gathered outside the Prosecutor’s Office, demanding Vasadze’s resignation. The protest, led by the United Opposition, was largely peaceful, with protesters carrying posters and chanting slogans calling for justice and fair elections.
Day 2 (Tuesday, February 22): Demonstrations continued, with protesters expanded their demands to include the resignation of the Interior Minister and a call for early parliamentary elections. Law enforcement used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters, resulting in injuries and arrests.
Day 3 (Wednesday, February 23): Despite a cold snap in the city, protesters remained resilient, gathering near the parliament building. Opposition leaders met with the Public Defender and offered a list of demands, including Vasadze’s resignation, a review of the election system, and the correction of electoral rolls.
Day 4 (Thursday, February 24): Today marks the fourth day of protests. Demonstrators, undeterred by the cold weather, continue to gather in the city center. Opposition leaders have reiterated their demands and called on the government to engage in dialogue with the peaceful protesters to find a resolution.
International Response
International organizations and foreign governments have been monitoring the situation closely, with some issuing statements of concern and calling on all parties to engage in dialogue. The European Union, a key partner of Georgia, expressed its support for the protesters’ right to peaceful assembly and urged the Georgian authorities to ensure a peaceful resolution.
Looking Ahead
As the protests enter their fourth day, it remains to be seen how the Georgian Dream party will respond. The opposition has stated that they will continue demonstrations until their demands are met. Meanwhile, representatives of the ruling party have called on the opposition to engage in dialogue and find a political solution to the impasse.
Regardless of the outcome, these protests highlight the growing discontent among Georgians regarding the direction of their country under the ruling party’s leadership. The protesters’ slogans of "Resignation!" and "Freedom to Georgia!" echo their desire for a more just, transparent, and democratic Georgia. The coming days will be critical in shaping the political landscape of this strategically important country in the South Caucasus.
