Georgia’s Independence Day saw two celebrations: the government’s and the opposition’s. But in Western media, and among Georgia’s own duck pond of grant-run outlets, the opposition’s evening event took center stage and was largely presented as a pro-European democracy rally. Euronews led with “thousands of protesters” marching through Tbilisi for a “pro-Europe rally.” JAMnews called … Read more
TBILISI, May 27 – Georgia’s opposition used Independence Day to launch a new anti-government campaign, but Tuesday’s rally failed to show broad popular support. Supporters of the Opposition Alliance began gathering outside the first building of Tbilisi State University at 7pm on Tuesday, marking the beginning of the second half of Georgia’s national day events. … Read more
TBILISI, May 26 – Opposition supporters marched toward parliament in Tbilisi on Tuesday evening, the second stage of Independence Day events, after the government’s official ceremonies earlier in the day. The protest began outside the first building of Tbilisi State University, where supporters of the Opposition Alliance gathered from around 7pm. Party leaders, members, supporters … Read more
TBILISI, May 26 – Georgia’s leaders used Independence Day to highlight the importance of sovereignty. The main ceremony was held on Freedom Square in central Tbilisi, where President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, cabinet members and MPs attended. Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III and other clergy were also present, along with diplomats, … Read more
TBILISI, May 25 – Georgia’s Independence Day is turning into a political standoff, with the government preparing official celebrations and the opposition planning a protest march that may end in a clash over whether a stage can be set up near parliament. The opposition says it will gather at 7pm on Tuesday, May 26, outside … Read more
TBILISI, May 24 – The government’s and opposition’s plans for Independence Day show how divided the country is politically. The government is preparing official celebrations for May 26, the day Georgia marks the declaration of its first republic in 1918. Opposition groups and civic activists are preparing a protest march the same evening, saying the … Read more
TBILISI, May 24 – Anti-government protesters marched through central Tbilisi on Saturday, as the government is preparing for the Independence Day festivities. The demonstrators gathered near the Philharmonic Hall and then moved toward parliament in what has become known as the traditional “Saturday march.” Participants carried Georgian and European Union flags. They also held a … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–Georgian Dream (GD) hailed a congratulatory letter from U.S. President Donald Trump to President Mikheil Kavelashvili, interpreting it as the definitibve answer to which side of the political divide he supports after months of uncertainty. The letter, released on May 26 to mark Georgia’s Independence Day, expressed Washington’s commitment to “peaceful and productive relations” … Read more
TBILISI, DFWatch–Despite deepening polarization, this year’s Independence Day celebrations in Tbilisi passed without major disruptions. Commentators credited careful planning and the physical separation of events with avoiding incidents, as the country remains engulfed in a deep political crisis where opposition leaders still, 212 days after the election, and with 180 days of continuous rallies, refuse … Read more