Thousands of anti -government protesters on Saturday tried to attack Rashtrapati Bhavan (Orbeliani Palace) in Georgia’s capital Tabilisi, after which they had a violent clash with the police. The police used water canon, paper spray and tear gas to disperse the protesters. Some protesters tried to enter the Rashtrapati Bhavan premises by breaking barricading, after which the situation became tense.
This protest is taking place against the local body elections in the country, which is boycotted by most opposition parties, which are supporters of European Union (EU). The present government of Georgia has accused the European Union of inciting riots in the country. Prime Minister Iraqali Kobakhidze said that the rioters along with the European Union flag set fire to barricades outside the Presidential Palace. He has accused the European Union Ambassador to help the protesters in the ‘attempt to overthrow the constitutional system’ in Georgia.
Opposition accused of rigging elections
Georgia has been going through a political crisis since last year’s parliamentary elections. The opposition has accused the ruling Georgian Dream Party of rigging elections. The International Observers appointed to monitor the parliamentary elections in the country also declared the victory of the Georgian Dream Party to be defective due to irregularities, violence and threats. After this, the government led by PM Iraqali Kobakhidze postponed the talks to join the EU, which led to the anger of the public.
The anti -government protesters waved the flags of Georgia and European Union on Saturday, marching from Tabilisi’s Freedom Square and Rustveli Avenue. Famous Opera singer Paata Barchuladze, who is leading this protest, read an announcement, demanding immediate arrest of the employees of the Ministry of Home Affairs and immediately arrest of the Six senior leaders of the Georgian Dream Party, including Prime Minister Irakali Kobkhidje.
Georgia Demand for a afresh election
In recent months, the Kobakhidje government has taken tough measures against protesters, media and Pro-Western opposition leaders. Many opposition leaders, journalists and protesters have been jailed. The opposition has demanded a fresh parliamentary elections in the country and the release of about 60 political prisoners. According to the preliminary results of the local body elections, the Georgian Dream Party won more than 80% of the votes and won all 64 municipalities including the capital Tabilisi, which was declared illegal by the opposition.
The European Parliament and the International Community have refused to recognize the 2024 parliamentary election results in Jojia and demanded a new election. The protesters are demanding a peaceful revolution, while the Georgian Dream Party has termed these demonstrations as a foreign conspiracy. The protesters are accusing the ruling Georgian Dream Party of being supporters of Russia. The clashes began when a group of masked protesters tried to break barricading near Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Georgia was a contender to join EU
Critics say the Georgian Dream Party, which is considered under the influence of its billionaire founder and former Prime Minister Bidjina Ivaniishwili, is removing the country from its Pro-West Stand. Georgia, once the main contender to join the European Union, has been watching his relations with the West since the Russia-Ukraine war began. The government postponed the talks of joining the European Union after last year’s disputed parliamentary elections, which promoted protests in the country.
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