Thousands of Georgians took to the streets on Wednesday to protest against the government, accusing it of authoritarian tendencies and abandoning the country’s pro-European Union (EU) trajectory.
Demonstrators carrying EU and Georgian flags gathered outside the parliament building in Tbilisi, where evening protests have been ongoing for three weeks. Daytime rallies were also held in other parts of the capital.
Protesters are demanding the resignation of the government and fresh parliamentary elections, alleging manipulation in the October 26 vote, which officially resulted in a victory for the ruling Georgian Dream party. The protests, which began on November 28, were sparked by the government’s suspension of negotiations on Georgia’s EU accession.
In addition to new elections, demonstrators are calling for the release of over 430 protesters detained by police. Many also reject the recent presidential election of Mikheil Kavelasvhili, arguing that the electoral college responsible was dominated by Georgian Dream parliamentarians. Kavelasvhili’s inauguration is set for December 29.
Georgia’s pro-European President Salome Zourabichvili issued an emotional appeal to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, urging the EU to take stronger action in response to the unfolding events. “Much more can and must be done,” she emphasized.