Tbilisi, Georgia – A wave of political unrest swept through Georgia’s capital on Saturday as thousands of demonstrators marched toward the presidential palace, demanding fresh parliamentary elections and the release of political prisoners. The march culminated in a dramatic confrontation outside the palace, where protesters breached police barricades and clashed with security forces.
The situation escalated rapidly near Atoneli Street, where police deployed tear gas, pepper spray, and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Videos circulating on social media show protestors waving Georgian and EU flags while attempting to dismantle security barricades.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, at least 14 police officers were injured during the clashes. Authorities have launched a formal investigation into incidents of violence and public disorder.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze accused protest leaders of attempting to undermine Georgia’s constitutional order. He claimed that some demonstrators deliberately set fire to barricades while waving European Union flags - a sign, he suggested, of external influence and a coordinated attempt to destabilize the state.
What Sparked the Uprising?
The unrest stems from lingering tensions following the controversial 2024 parliamentary elections, where the ruling Georgian Dream Party was accused of electoral malpractice. Several international observers expressed concerns over the integrity of the election process, fueling discontent among opposition parties and civil society.
Following the disputed election, the Georgian government paused negotiations with the European Union, further agitating the population. Citizens see this as a step backward in the country’s decades-long aspiration to join the EU.
Public frustration has been boiling for months, with Freedom Square in Tbilisi becoming the focal point of continuous anti-government protests. Saturday’s march marked the 311th consecutive day of demonstrations.
East or West? A Deepening Divide
Georgia's internal political crisis is rapidly transforming into a geopolitical fault line. While opposition leaders accuse the government of leaning toward Moscow, ruling officials argue that the protests themselves are EU-backed efforts to interfere in Georgian sovereignty.
This polarization has sparked fierce debate among citizens — some fear drifting toward authoritarianism under Russian influence, while others criticize Western institutions for allegedly interfering in domestic politics.