Elene Khoshtaria, leader of the opposition party Droa, has launched an open-ended hunger strike in front of the Georgian Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue, describing it as a “new form of struggle” against what she calls the government’s increasingly authoritarian behavior.
Khoshtaria began the hunger strike on June 27, vowing to continue until political prisoners are released and the ruling party, Georgian Dream, changes course. She cited the recent arrests of several opposition leaders as the final trigger for her protest.
“This is a regime that arrests political opponents, undermines democratic institutions, and leaves no other option but civil resistance. This hunger strike is a cry against injustice,” Khoshtaria told journalists shortly after beginning the protest.
The opposition figure also claimed that the only way to remove the current government is “revolution and their overthrow from the street.” Her statement quickly sparked criticism from ruling party representatives, who argue that such rhetoric fuels polarization and instability.
In response to her protest, Davit Matikashvili, Chair of Parliament’s Procedural Affairs Committee, called the hunger strike “counterproductive,” urging all political actors to focus on the upcoming parliamentary elections.
“It is through elections—not street actions—that change must come, if the people so decide,” said Matikashvili. “The opposition should prepare for elections instead of seeking confrontation.”
On June 29, in a shift of tone, Khoshtaria said she would be willing to end the hunger strike if opposition parties collectively agree to boycott the upcoming local elections. She claimed that political clarity and coordinated resistance are necessary for any street protest to have real power.
“Without unity and clarity, even protest loses meaning. If the opposition declares an election boycott, I’ll consider ending the strike. But if we go into elections as if nothing is happening—then we’ve surrendered,” she said.
Khoshtaria’s hunger strike has added momentum to a turbulent political landscape already marked by mass protests, arrests of opposition leaders, and growing public distrust toward the European Union—following government accusations that EU funds are being used to support anti-government movements.
Khoshtaria remains camped outside parliament, supported by party members and some civil activists. Medical teams have also been seen nearby, monitoring her condition as the strike continues.
Related story: Elene Khoshtaria fined 5,000 GEL for protest-related offenses
