Demonstrators in Tbilisi are set to usher in the New Year right on the city's streets
In the heart of Tbilisi, the capital city of Georgia, protests have been ongoing since November 28. The opposition, led by Nika Melia, has been at the forefront of these demonstrations, which began in response to a decision made by the ruling party, Georgian Dream.
The opposition leader, Melia, has been organizing and leading the protests since the parliamentary elections at the end of October 2021. The protests have been peaceful, with no reports of violence in recent weeks. This is in line with the statement made by the head of the Georgian government, Irakli Kobakhidze, who stated that the authorities would not interfere with the daily protests in Tbilisi.
According to Kobakhidze, drone counts show up to a thousand people attend the protests daily. However, he states that the opposition has no support from the population. Despite this, the protesters have shown no signs of slowing down, voluntarily dispersing to their homes around midnight.
Meanwhile, the city's iconic Rustaveli Avenue has been closed for a unique celebration. Participants bring dishes from home to a single long table, coming together in a spirit of unity. The celebration on Rustaveli Avenue is proceeding uninterrupted, providing a stark contrast to the nearby protests.
Former President Salome Zourabichvili has announced her intention to join the protest, adding her voice to the opposition's call for change. Despite the ongoing protests, Kobakhidze announced that the ruling party, Georgian Dream, would not include EU membership talks and refuse all EU budgetary grants in its agenda until the end of 2028.
As the protests continue, the future of Georgia's political landscape remains uncertain. The opposition, led by Melia, is determined to bring about change, while the ruling party, Georgian Dream, stands firm in its decision. Only time will tell how this situation unfolds.
