A large opposition rally in central Tbilisi escalated into clashes on Saturday evening after a group of demonstrators moved towards the Georgian president’s residence and attempted to enter its grounds. Police used water cannon, pepper spray and tear gas to disperse the crowd around the compound, known as the Orbeliani (Atoneli Street) presidential palace.
The protest coincided with Georgia’s municipal elections, which several opposition blocs had boycotted. Earlier in the day, organisers convened a mass gathering in the city centre, where speakers read out a declaration asserting that the ruling Georgian Dream party had “lost legitimacy” and announcing what they termed a “peaceful transition period” to restore democratic institutions and renew dialogue on European Union accession. The call was followed by a march towards the presidential residence.
Shortly after the declaration, several dozen people headed to Atoneli Street and forced their way into the courtyard of the residence, according to local and regional media reports. Special forces emerged from the building and deployed tear gas before water cannon was used outside the gates. Stones and other objects were thrown towards police as tensions rose around the perimeter.
The Interior Ministry said the rally had exceeded the limits permitted by law and warned that “relevant measures” would be taken to restore order. Police later moved to clear surrounding streets after barricades were erected and small fires were reported in the vicinity. Local outlets reported injuries among both demonstrators and law enforcement, though official figures were not immediately available.
The day’s events unfolded against a backdrop of protracted political tension that has persisted since last year’s parliamentary contest and subsequent disputes over Georgia’s European trajectory. Opposition figures have accused the government of tightening controls on civic activity and drifting from the country’s long-stated ambition of EU integration. Georgian Dream denies the allegations and maintains that it seeks European integration while preserving stability.
At the rally on Freedom Square, cultural figures and opposition representatives addressed the crowd, urging peaceful resistance and calling for a re-set of political institutions. The declaration announced at the event said the proposed transition period would aim to secure a “peaceful transfer of power,” the “liberation of democratic institutions” and the “immediate resumption of dialogue on EU accession,” as reported by international and regional media.
Turnout data for the municipal vote were low by midday, and the boycott by major opposition groups framed the elections as a test of the ruling party’s authority rather than a competitive contest. The Central Election Commission later stated that voting had proceeded without major incident; opposition parties and allied civil groups disputed the process and criticised the broader environment.
Video from the scene at the president’s residence showed riot police forming cordons outside the gates as water cannon was deployed. Footage captured the moment demonstrators approached the entrance and the subsequent police response. Journalists on site reported the use of pepper spray and tear gas as lines pushed back and forth along Atoneli Street.
The status of arrests or charges arising from the clashes had not been formally detailed at the time of writing. Local media reported at least one injury among law enforcement near the residence and shared images of first aid being administered. Authorities indicated that further measures could follow to identify individuals involved in violence against police.
The Orbeliani Palace complex, situated off Atoneli Street in the historic quarter, has functioned as the presidential residence in recent years. The immediate area has been a frequent focal point during periods of political protest. Saturday’s events marked one of the most serious confrontations near the compound this year.
As night fell, police continued operations to disperse remaining groups around the residence and adjoining streets. Organisers reiterated their calls for non-violence and signalled further rallies could follow, while government officials urged compliance with public order regulations. International news agencies and broadcasters carried live images from the scene as Georgia’s post-election atmosphere remained tense.
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