Tbilisi is set to witness large-scale protests organised by the Georgian opposition coinciding with the inaugural session of the country’s new parliament, scheduled for 25 November. The protests aim to challenge the legitimacy of the parliamentary elections and demand new polls.
According to Georgian media, opposition leaders have urged demonstrators to gather on Republic Square on the evening of 24 November. From there, the protest march will proceed to the Georgian Parliament building, where participants plan to camp overnight ahead of Monday’s parliamentary session.
The opposition’s discontent stems from their refusal to recognise the results of the recent parliamentary elections. They have announced a boycott of the legislative body, citing alleged irregularities and a lack of transparency during the voting process. The protests are expected to intensify amid calls for new elections.
In addition to the primary demonstration, three separate marches are planned in Tbilisi on 25 November, all sharing the demand for fresh elections. These include:
- The Women’s March – Starting from Freedom Square.
- A March by Ilia University Professors – Aimed at expressing academic concerns.
- A March Representing the Cultural and Artistic Community – Focused on safeguarding democratic values.
The first session of the 11th Georgian Parliament will convene without the presence of opposition lawmakers, who have vowed to boycott its proceedings. Furthermore, accredited diplomats stationed in Georgia have not been invited to attend this opening session, marking a significant departure from customary practices.
Meanwhile, the European Parliament is scheduled to adopt a resolution on the political situation in Georgia on 28 November. This development underscores growing international attention to the crisis and raises the stakes for Georgia’s political leadership.
The upcoming demonstrations are expected to be a key moment in Georgia’s ongoing political standoff, with implications for its domestic stability and international relations.
