Georgia sees another day of anti-government protests outside parliament

Another anti-government protest was held in Tbilisi, near the Georgian Parliament building on December 9. 

Demonstrators gathered outside the parliament and blocked Rustaveli Avenue. Their demands remain unchanged: new parliamentary elections and the dissolution of the current government. There is a noticeable absence of police officers around the parliament, as well as on surrounding streets. The protest proceeded peacefully, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

A new wave of protests began in Georgia on November 28, with demonstrations taking place daily outside the parliament building. These protests typically last through the night, and usually end with riot police dispersing the crowds using special equipment. However, the recent protest was peaceful, with citizens leaving Rustaveli Avenue on their own accord.

The protests were sparked by a statement from Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, announcing that the ruling Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia party had decided not to include negotiations on EU membership in the agenda until the end of 2028, and to reject all budgetary grants from the EU. Kobakhidze said that the decision was driven by constant blackmail from the EU regarding the start of accession talks, demands to repeal several laws passed by the Georgian parliament, and calls for sanctions against Georgian authorities.

By Naila Huseynova