Georgian protests persist amid controversial Christmas tree lighting

Protests against the Georgian government’s policies continued outside the parliament building in Tbilisi on December 16 evening, as several hundred demonstrators gathered along Rustaveli Avenue. 

The protesters were demanding the holding of new parliamentary elections, a key issue that has driven ongoing unrest in the capital since the suspension of the country's EU accession talks, Caliber.Az reports per Georgian media.

The lighting of Tbilisi’s main Christmas tree, located on Rustaveli Avenue, took place on the same day. However, it was marked by controversy. Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze announced that the tree had been illuminated "without any ceremony" due to the ongoing protests.

While festive lights are traditionally switched on earlier in December, the event had been delayed due to the unrest surrounding the government’s decision to suspend EU accession talks.

In his statement, Kaladze reassured citizens that despite the unusual lighting, the capital would still host a range of New Year’s Eve celebrations, promising that Tbilisi would be "the most beautiful New Year’s Eve city."

The tree lighting was quickly condemned by President Salome Zourabichvili, who labelled the event a "clear provocation" against the protests. Zourabichvili accused Kaladze of stoking tensions and warned that any escalation in the protests would be the mayor’s responsibility.

Public protests have been ongoing since the government’s announcement regarding the suspension of EU accession talks, with demonstrators voicing their frustration over the government's policies and the perceived setback in Georgia’s European aspirations.

By Aghakazim Guliyev