Pro-opposition demonstration in Tbilisi city center.
Happening Now: A Showdown in Tbilisi
A spirited rally is unfolding in Tbilisi, according to "Rustavi 2". The protesters are waving banners, some with the message "Georgia Picks the European Union", as they march towards Europe Square. Videos from the scene capture the atmosphere, showing Ukrainian flags fluttering amidst the crowd. Members of the opposition and family members of those arrested during previous actions join forces in this event.
Looking Back
These protests in Tbilisi started towards the end of November 2024, following an announcement by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze that talks on joining the EU would be pushed back to at least 2028. This decision sparked widespread demonstrations, with the protesters demanding a new presidential election, the release of detainees, and a return to Georgia's pro-EU stance. They also level accusations at the ruling Georgian Dream party, claiming an attempt to swing Georgia back towards Russia, and pointing to Moscow's influence in recent elections[4][5].
The Stalemate Continues
Although the protests have lost size, they persist, with demonstrators still insisting on the resignation of the Georgian Dream administration and the freeing of political prisoners. The authorities have ratcheted up repressive measures, including imposing steep fines for joining protests. Certain protesters have received egregious fines, equivalent to several thousand dollars, a significant sum in comparison to the average income in Georgia[5][2].
A Testament of Solidarity
The European Union symbols and cries are prevalent in the protests, symbolizing the unwavering determination of the protesters to align Georgia with the EU. The inclusion of Ukrainian flags might indicate a signal of unity between the two nations, both striving to assert their independence and adhere to Western values[4][5].
The Struggle Persists
On Europe Day, May 9, massive marches occurred in Tbilisi, further emphasizing the protesters' aspirations for EU integration. Additionally, miners from Chiatura have been rallying, protesting against Georgian Manganese and advocating for the nationalization of the enterprise[2][4]. Despite the dwindling numbers, protests like these continue to underscore the lingering animosity between the government and its adversaries.
- Rustavi 2 reports that the protest in Tbilisi, which includes members of the opposition and family members of those arrested during previous actions, is still ongoing, with demonstrators choosing to persist despite the authorities imposing steep fines for joining protests.
- Among the banners being waved in the protest, some have the message "Georgia Picks the European Union," indicating the protesters' ongoing aspiration for EU integration.
- The protesters' march towards Europe Square has seen the inclusion of Ukrainian flags, suggesting a united front between Georgia and Ukraine in their shared goals of asserting independence and adhering to Western values.
- The protests, initially sparked by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze's announcement that talks on joining the EU would be pushed back, have continued beyond November 2024, symbolizing the protesters' unwavering determination to return to Georgia's pro-EU stance.
