Protesters in Tbilisi once again took to the streets today, marking one year since Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced that, under the ruling Georgian Dream party’s decision, the issue of opening accession negotiations with the European Union would be removed from the national agenda until the end of 2028. The statement, made exactly a year ago, triggered a wave of public outrage that has continued for 365 consecutive days.
This evening, two large protest columns are marching toward Rustaveli Avenue and the Parliament building. One group began its march from the first building of Tbilisi State University, while another set off from the Georgian Public Broadcaster. Both groups are expected to meet near the Philharmonic before proceeding together toward Parliament.
Demonstrators are carrying Georgian, American, European Union and Ukrainian flags, along with banners expressing a wide range of political and civic messages. Leaders and members of various opposition parties are present at the scene, alongside activists, professors, representatives of different professional communities, and ordinary citizens who have participated in the year-long protest movement.
As on previous days, rally participants are reiterating their core demands: the scheduling of new parliamentary elections and the release of individuals detained during the protests over the past year. Organizers emphasize that despite political pressure and periodic clashes, the public’s determination has remained unchanged throughout the year-long campaign.
Today’s march, culminating at the Parliament building, is expected to be one of the largest mobilizations since the protests began, symbolizing both the anniversary of the Prime Minister’s controversial statement and the resilience of the civic movement that emerged in its aftermath.
Image: IPN
