TBILISI, October 16 – Georgia’s ruling party Georgian Dream scored an overwhelming victory in the Tbilisi City Council elections held on October 4, according to final results published Thursday by the Central Election Commission (CEC). Out of roughly 1 million registered voters, a total of 325,061 people cast their ballots, representing a turnout of about … Read more
TBILISI, October 6 – Georgia’s government rejected criticism from the European Union Sunday, following the country’s local elections, and violent clashes in Tbilisi branded a “peaceful revolution” by parts of the opposition. In a joint statement, EU foreign policy chief and European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said the elections … Read more
TBILISI, October 6 – Georgia’s government has arrested all key organizers behind the October 4 protest in Tbilisi, which authorities describe as an “attempted coup” that turned violent near the presidential palace. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze vowed that “no one will go unpunished,” warning that anyone who took part in violence against the state or … Read more
TBILISI, October 5 – Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze has secured a decisive victory in Georgia’s local elections, winning 71.6% of the vote according to preliminary results released by the Central Election Commission (CEC). With 581 out of 584 polling stations counted, covering 99.5% of the city’s precincts, Kaladze, the candidate of the ruling Georgian Dream … Read more
TBILISI, October 5 – Georgia’s prime minister Irakli Kobakhidze warned harsh consequences after last night’s violent protest, branding it as an “attempted coup,” and said it could give grounds for banning the largest opposition party. The night saw chaos and confrontation after precincts had closed in an election that gave the ruling Georgian Dream party … Read more
TBILISI, October 4 – A large opposition rally in Tbilisi called for the arrest of the prime minister and other government members in the evening of local elections, as protesters tore down barriers and tried to enter the presidential residence. The protest was organized by the movement Rustaveli Avenue, led by opera star Paata Burchuladze … Read more
TBILISI, October 3 – Police in Georgia have provided new details about a violent clash that took place near Tbilisi’s Metekhi Bridge late Wednesday evening, leaving the youth opposition leader Igor Narmania injured. The incident occurred less than 24 hours before the country’s local elections, which are taking place on the background of a tense … Read more
TBILISI, October 3 – Tensions flared in Georgia’s capital on the eve of crucial local elections after violence broke out near Metekhi Bridge, leaving two people injured, including a youth leader from the opposition United National Movement (UNM). Igor Narmania, head of UNM’s youth wing, was preparing to make a public statement with fellow activists … Read more
TBILISI, October 3 – On the eve of Georgia’s local elections, parts of the opposition are promising what they call a “peaceful revolution.” The dramatic language has raised tensions in Tbilisi, where analysts warn that the country may be heading for a confrontation with echoes from its turbulent past. According to Rezonansi, opposition organizers initially … Read more
TBILISI, October 3 – With just two days to go before Georgia’s local elections, mayoral candidates in Tbilisi went head-to-head in a fiery televised debate Thursday night that showcased the country’s deep political divides. The debate, broadcast on the public broadcaster’s Channel 1, brought together nine registered candidates, including incumbent mayor and ruling Georgian Dream … Read more