Today, Rustaveli Avenue feels like both a battlefield and a place of hope. The Georgian flag waves above a crowd of protesters, their voices, screaming for justice and future tied to Europe, rising together to break the silence of the cold night. Police lines move closer, dark and heavy, as if to smother the dreams of a brighter tomorrow. Yet, even in this chaos, the people stand firm, holding their ground like trees in a storm.
For many Georgians, this is more than just a protest – it is a fight for their country’s identity. It is a moment to stand up for history, hopes, and right to build a better future.
Where It All Started
The ongoing protests in Georgia are not solely the result of recent elections or the use of tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators. This all began earlier in the year, with significant events in April and May marking the first wave of protests.
In May 2024, mass protests have erupted in Tbilisi over a proposed law similar to the one used in Russia to suppress the opposition. The legislation, backed by the ruling party and its oligarch de-facto leader Bidzina Ivanishvili, threatened the country’s EU membership aspirations. The ruling party, Georgian Dream, appeared to be using the law to strengthen its position ahead of October elections, complicating the situation for the fragmented political opposition.
On May 28, Georgia’s parliament passed the controversial “foreign influence” bill, overriding a presidential veto. The bill, mirroring Russian legislation aimed at putting down civil society and independent media, was considered incompatible with European norms by Brussels and threatened to halt Georgia’s EU integration. The adoption of the bill was labeled as the “day of betrayal” by opponents. Pro-EU Georgian citizens, comprising nearly 80% of the population, viewed this as a turn away from Europe towards Russia.
These earlier protests set the stage for the current protests, reflecting deep-seated frustrations with the government’s actions and perceived choices to align with Russian interests over European integration.
While the controversial “foreign agents” law in May sparked significant demonstrations, it was the government’s subsequent decisions that have led to the current, more radical protests.
A pivotal turn occurred on November 28, 2024, when the prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the postponement of European Union membership talks until 2028. This decision was perceived by many as a direct affront to Georgia’s longstanding aspiration for European integration, a goal supported by a substantial majority of the population.
The situation escalated further with the election of Mikheil Kavelashvili as president on December 14, 2024. Kavelashvili was elected by the government-controlled legislature during ongoing protests and despite claims of election fraud.
These developments have compounded public discontent, leading to larger and more determined protests. The initial anger over the “foreign agents” law has been overshadowed by broader concerns about the government’s trajectory and the potential realignment away from European integration towards closer ties with Russia. This confluence of factors has awakened a deep-seated resolve among Georgians to defend their democratic values and future direction.
What is at stake?
The situation in Georgia is critical, and what happens next will affect not just the country itself, but the entire region. For many Georgians, these protests are more than just a reaction to the government, they represent a deep struggle for the heart and future of their nation. It’s a choice between standing with the democratic values of Europe or falling back into authoritarianism, with Russia becoming more influential over Georgia in the process.
Georgia has long been seen as a symbol of resistance. The 2003 Rose Revolution, when the people brought down a corrupt government and worked to build a democracy, remains a proud moment in the country’s history.
In 2012, history repeated when Georgians felt a new sense of hope when the Georgian Dream coalition came to power. Many were unhappy with the previous government’s human rights violations and wanted democratic reforms, so they voted for Georgian Dream with high expectations.
For many, Georgian Dream represented a chance for change and an end to unfair governance. Led by billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, the coalition promised to bring more democracy, fight corruption, and govern in a way that included everyone.
Many people supported Georgian Dream’s promise to pursue closer ties with Western institutions like the European Union and NATO, while maintaining pragmatic relations with Russia. It was a balancing act that appealed to those who wanted stability and security in a volatile region.
But now, many fear that the progress made in all these years is being undone. Press freedom is under threat, opposition leaders are being targeted, and it feels like the country is slipping away from the democratic path it undertook with so much efforts.
The stakes are also high on the world stage. The outcome of this struggle could have a ripple effect on other countries in the region, showing them whether standing up for democracy is still possible, or if Russia’s control will continue to spread. A successful pro-democracy movement could inspire other nations that are fighting for their own freedoms. The people’s choice now will have lasting effects, not just on the country, but on the world.
The international community’s involvement in Georgia’s crisis is a reflection of the high stakes surrounding this conflict, both for Georgia and for the broader geopolitical landscape. As the EU, the United States, and other international bodies have expressed concern, their messages underscore the significant consequences of Georgia’s political path. Despite the international reactions, the Georgian government’s response has been to defend its actions and claim that the protests threaten national stability. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, balancing support for the Georgian people’s democratic aspirations with the need to engage constructively with the Georgian government to address the underlying issues.
Behind each protester, behind every chant and every banner, lies a deeply personal story. Even the youngest voices are rising. Despite the challenges and divisions within the movement, the determination of the people remains unshaken. And as the protests continue, one thing becomes crystal clear: Georgians are not backing down. Their fight is not just about politics – it is about holding onto the values that make them who they are. It is about the hope that, no matter the pain, they will rise above it. For Georgia, for the people, and for the generations to come, this is a fight for the soul of our nation.
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