Thousands of protesters have united to form a human chain in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital, amid rising tensions as the nation braces for a pivotal political transition. The inauguration of Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former footballer and ally of the ruling Georgian Dream party, is set for Sunday. However, the current president, Salome Zourabichvili, refuses to relinquish her position, asserting that Kavelashvili’s election is illegitimate.
The Georgian Dream party, in power for over a decade, recently won parliamentary elections fraught with allegations of fraud, sparking widespread protests. The four major opposition groups have dismissed Kavelashvili’s authority and are boycotting parliament, leaving the resolution of the standoff uncertain.
On Saturday, protesters rallied in support of their cause, brandishing Georgian and EU flags as they formed a human chain stretching for kilometers. One participant expressed their determination to resist external influence, stating their family’s commitment to liberating Georgia from the grips of external powers.
In recent years, the Georgian Dream government has been criticized for its increasingly authoritarian approach, implementing laws reminiscent of Russian policies that target independent media, non-governmental organizations, and the LGBTQ community. Additionally, the government has opted not to support Western sanctions against Russia following its military aggression in Ukraine, further straining its relationship with the West despite Georgia’s constitutional commitment to EU membership.
In November, the ruling party announced it would postpone any discussions on EU accession until 2028, igniting a wave of protests where riot police deployed tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators who retaliated with fireworks and stones.
The United States recently imposed sanctions on a former prime minister and key figure of the Georgian Dream party, underscoring international concern over the political climate. As Georgia grapples with internal dissent, President Zourabichvili continues to contest Kavelashvili’s election, declaring it a mere facade orchestrated by foreign interests. She has firmly stated that she will not step down on the impending inauguration date, with government officials warning that her refusal could lead to criminal charges.
