A general strike is set to take place in Georgia today, February 25, at 16:00. The announcement has been widely shared on social media.
The event’s organizers, employees and employers—those who drive the country’s economy—will go on strike in front of their workplaces before marching toward Heroes’ Square from various locations.
Marches will begin from:
- Vake Park (Marro Makashvili March)
- Amagleba Street (Junker March)
- Avlabari Metro Station (General Mazniashvili March)
- Marjanishvili Square (Valiko Jugheli March)
- Station Square (Valodia Goguadze March)
- Sports Palace (Gogi Aleksi-Meskhishvili March)
February 25 holds historical significance in Georgia, as it marks the day in 1921 when Soviet Russia took control of Tbilisi, ending Georgia’s short-lived democratic and European path. In November of that year, Georgians staged a strike in defiance of the Russian occupation, but it was not enough to regain independence. The repressions of 1924 and 1937 further buried the idea of freedom for decades.
“February 25 is a reminder of what could happen if history repeats itself. Today, Georgians face the same existential threat—either we win, or we lose the most precious things: our independence and freedom.”
For the third consecutive month, people have been taking to the streets to defend their future. Organizers say that unlike in the past, this time they are stronger.
“On February 25, at 16:00, Georgia will strike. Workers and employers—the people who generate Georgia’s wealth and sustain its economy—will stand in front of their offices and workplaces before marching to Heroes’ Square. Those fighting for independence and freedom will gather in the place where heroes sacrificed their lives for the same ideals.”
Protesters say they will march in the name of:
- 49 political prisoners
- 500 beaten and tortured activists
- Thousands of unfairly fined individuals
- Tens of thousands of humiliated citizens
- Hundreds of thousands of angry Georgians
- The future of Georgia itself
“We will march to Heroes’ Square, believing that the Georgian flag will always fly over Georgia!” – they say.
This is not the first time such a strike has taken place. On January 15, 2025, a similar general strike was held, lasting three hours, with participation from both employers and employees.
