Anti-government protests continue for 23 days in Tbilisi

Anti-government protests led by supporters of the pro-Western opposition have persisted for 23 consecutive days in Tbilisi.

Near the Georgian Parliament building, demonstrators continue to block Rustaveli Avenue, demanding new elections, Caliber.Az reports per Georgian media.

As in previous days, the majority of the protesters consisted of participants from various marches, who made their way along the central streets toward the Parliament. The demonstration remains peaceful, with no law enforcement present outside the Parliament.

Georgian media reports indicate that a significant number of protesters gathered in front of the Parliament for the 23rd evening rally. The protests in Tbilisi continue to occur daily, regardless of the weather, and without the use of a rostrum or speakers.

Protests erupted in Georgia on November 28, with daily rallies held outside the parliament building. The first week of demonstrations was marked by heightened tensions, as some protesters used fireworks against law enforcement, while police responded with water cannons and tear gas.

The clashes, which continued into the night, eventually saw special forces clearing protesters from Rustaveli Avenue. In recent days, however, the protests have become peaceful, and police presence near the gatherings has decreased.

The protests were triggered by a statement from Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, who announced that the ruling party, Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia, had decided to suspend discussions on European Union accession and reject all EU budget grants until at least 2028.

Kobakhidze cited persistent EU pressure, including blackmail over the start of EU accession talks, demands to repeal certain laws passed by parliament, and calls for sanctions against the Georgian authorities.

By Vafa Guliyeva