A large-scale demonstration in support of Georgia’s European Union aspirations took place in Tbilisi on Sunday, 20 October 2024, just six days ahead of crucial parliamentary elections. The rally, organised under the slogan “Georgia Chooses the EU,” saw thousands of citizens gathering to voice their desire for closer ties with Europe. The event was a powerful expression of public sentiment against the current government’s perceived pivot towards Russian influence.
The protest, which converged in Tbilisi’s Freedom Square, began with five separate marches originating from different points across the city, including Marjanishvili Square, Amaghali Street, the Obelisk of 300 Aragvians, Heroes’ Square, and Republic Square. Demonstrators, carrying Georgian and European Union flags, walked through the streets to the symbolic heart of the capital.
The demonstration attracted not only members of the public but also prominent figures from Georgia’s pro-European opposition parties. The most notable political attendee was Salome Zourabichvili, Georgia’s opposition-aligned president, who has been a vocal critic of the current government’s policies. At a briefing the day before the march, she emphasised the importance of citizens taking to the streets to demonstrate their will, urging voters to support pro-European opposition parties in the upcoming elections.
Zourabichvili’s participation highlighted the deepening rift between the Georgian presidency and the government, which has been accused of aligning itself too closely with Moscow. In her speech, she reiterated her belief that the country’s future lies with Europe and that Georgia must not lose sight of its pro-European trajectory.
A Call for EU Integration
The rally, organised by civil activists, was a response to what many perceive as a de facto halt in Georgia’s accession process to the European Union, largely due to the actions of the sitting government. The government, led by the Georgian Dream party, has faced increasing criticism from both domestic and international actors for its perceived shift away from the EU and towards a more Russia-friendly stance.
The demonstrators called on the government to prioritise the European path and reject any attempts to realign Georgia’s foreign policy towards Russia. Many of the speakers at the event accused the current government of isolating Georgia internationally by straying from the EU and the United States in favour of Moscow’s interests.
In a tweet accompanying the protest, Giorgi Koberidze, a prominent pro-European activist, posted a video of the demonstration, showing crowds singing the national anthems of Georgia and the European Union. “Hundreds of thousands of Georgians take to the streets in Tbilisi and demand a European path,” he wrote. “We will be victorious!”
A United Opposition
For one of the first times in Georgia’s modern history, opposition forces and strategic international partners have aligned in their criticism of the government. The event marked a rare moment of unity among Georgia’s traditionally fragmented opposition, as they came together with a common goal of advocating for EU membership and pushing back against what they see as the government’s betrayal of Georgia’s pro-European ambitions.
The rally was not solely political, however. After speeches from various opposition leaders and activists, the event turned into a concert, featuring performances by several well-known Georgian musicians. This blending of politics and culture demonstrates the broad-based nature of the pro-EU movement in Georgia, drawing support from across different sections of society.
A Critical Moment for Georgia
The demonstration comes at a critical juncture in Georgia’s political landscape. With the parliamentary elections set to take place in less than a week, the country faces a pivotal choice between continuing on its European path or potentially moving towards closer ties with Russia. The outcome of the elections is seen by many as a referendum on Georgia’s future, with implications not just for its domestic politics but for its international relationships as well.
The stakes are particularly high given that Georgia’s relations with both the United States and the European Union have soured under the current government. Many Western leaders have criticised the government for what they perceive as its failure to uphold democratic standards, including freedom of the press and judicial independence, as well as its growing ties with Russia.
Image source: formulanews.ge
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