Tens of Thousands protest in Tbilisi for a 34th consecutive day

Georgia has been gripped by a wave of unprecedented turmoil after incumbent Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced a four-year suspension in EU accession talks no 28 November.

The move triggered daily mass protests which often turned violent, with police forces using riot teams, tear gas and water cannons routinely to disperse demonstrators.

On New Year’s Eve, tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets of the capital to continue voicing their objection.

Rustaveli avenue, one of the Tbilisi’s main and central avenues, was flooded by demonstrators demanding new parliamentary elections.

They also demanded the release of all activists and protesters detained during the ongoing protests.

A separate march was organised outside the infamous Gldani Prison, where dozens of those detained in protests are currently being held.

But this protest was different. In a rare coincidence, protesters launched a joint act of demonstrations and celebrations. A traditional Georgian feast, known as the Supra, was organised with protesters sharing food and drinks, in a symbol of unity and togetherness.

They say today’s rally was not just a statement of defiance, but a celebration of their unity. They also vowed, as the Calendar turned to 2025, to continue protesting until all their demands are met.

Germany, France and Poland react to Georgia’s turmoil

Foreign ministers of Germany, France and Poland expressed concern about the unfolding political crisis in the Black Sea nation.

On Sunday, former Georgian football player, Mikheil Kavelashvili was formally inaugurated as the 6th president of the country, succeeding Salome Zourabichvili. The former national team and English Premier League footballer was picked as presidential candidate by the Georgian Dream party on 27 November, in a bid to cement their grip on the country.

“We strongly condemn last week’s violence against peaceful protesters, media and opposition leaders and recall Georgian authorities’ responsibility to respect human rights and protect fundamental freedoms, including the freedom to assembly and media freedom,” the three ministers wrote in a joint statement.

The ministers also announced they would implement an EU decision that ends visa-free travel for Georgian diplomatic and service passport holders, as well as consider additional measures on both the EU and national levels, in reaction to the incumbent party’s Russia-friendly course of rule.

They also stressed that “the political course of repression and democratic backsliding by the Georgian Dream has in reaction led to a downgrading of our relationship at European and national level and a reduction of our assistance to and cooperation with Georgia’s authorities.”

The three ministers also reiterated their determination to “support the democratic and European aspiration of the Georgian people.”

Additional sources • AP