Massive Protest in Tbilisi Demands Government Resignation and Early Elections

In the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, a large-scale protest against the government is expected on October 26, commemorating the anniversary of the 2024 parliamentary elections, which, according to the opposition, marked an authoritarian turn in power and a retreat from the European course.

A compilation from separate information sources confirms that the organizers plan to gather at Republic Square and march to the Parliament building.

“In the 2024 parliamentary elections, they deceived their own voters – they promised to lead them to Europe with dignity, but betrayed them immediately after seizing power.”

Chronicle of Events and the Participants’ Demands

Participants in the protest will demand the resignation of the government, the holding of early parliamentary elections, and the release of political prisoners.

Among the elements of activist activity were calls to engage a broad range of citizens. There is also an emphasis on the need to restore democratic norms and transparency in the electoral process.

The parliamentary elections of October 26, 2024 ended with a victory for the ruling party “Georgian Dream,” which garnered more than 54% of the votes. The opposition stated there were widespread falsifications and called the results a “constitutional coup”.

After the results were announced, protests began, which in the first days gathered a significant number of participants. On November 28, the government led by Irakli Kobakhidze announced the freezing of negotiations on Georgia’s EU accession, which became a new source of discontent.

That evening on Rustaveli Avenue, several thousand people gathered, and over the next week demonstrators clashed with special forces and there were mass arrests.

Over a year, the authorities intensified penalties for participation in protests and passed laws restricting the activities of the media and non-governmental organizations. Some opposition leaders and dozens of activists ended up behind bars.

The European Parliament did not recognize the election results and demanded new elections. The United States and several EU countries imposed personal sanctions against Georgian politicians and security forces. EU leadership suspended high-level contacts with the government.

Among the main demands of the protests remain transparent elections, respect for human rights, and Georgia’s return to European integration.

In their actions, there are signs of criminal offenses provided for by Art. 345 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine “Threat or violence against a law enforcement officer” and Art. 194 “Deliberate destruction or damage of property.” The relevant notices have been sent to the National Police