The new year has not brought respite to Georgia’s political crisis. From January 1-3, 2025, protests continued with renewed force, demonstrating the unwavering resolve of Georgian citizens against the ruling Georgian Dream (GD) party. What began as demonstrations against the suspension of EU accession talks in late 2024 has evolved into a broader movement demanding political change, fueled by allegations of rigged elections and increasing government repression.
Despite the New Year’s celebrations, protesters remained steadfast. On January 1st, demonstrators gathered in front of the Georgian Parliament for the 35th consecutive day, calling for the release of detained protesters and new elections. The traditional Georgian celebration of Bedoba on January 2nd—a day believed to foretell the coming year—was also marked by protest, with citizens gathering on Rustaveli Avenue in Tbilisi. President Salome Zurabishvili acknowledged the protesters’ resilience in an online statement on January 1st, criticizing those who had underestimated their determination and the public reaction to GD’s policies. She emphasized the people’s unwavering commitment, stating, “They are still standing today, they will be there tomorrow, they will not get tired!”
The first few days of 2025 also saw further evidence of escalating government repression. On January 3rd, allegations of politically motivated dismissals intensified. Reports surfaced of Eka Bakradze, a human resources officer at the Central Election Commission, claiming unfair dismissal due to alleged family ties to opposition forces, and Mikheil Butskhrikidze, former head of the Adigeni city council staff, reporting a similar experience after expressing personal opinions.
Demonstrations continued across the country on January 3rd. In Tbilisi, protesters held a “Daytime Broadcast for People!” near the Public Broadcaster’s building, organized gift collection and distribution near the Parliament, and held a general rally near the Parliament. In Batumi, a protest titled “In the Service of the Homeland” took place near the Constitutional Court. Tkibuli saw a “Solidarity with the Tkibuli Miners!” protest, expressing outrage over the alleged politically motivated firing of 38 miners by Coal of Georgia. Finally, in Kutaisi, a “Yes to Europe, No to Russia!” protest was held near the City Hall.
The events of January 1-3, 2025, paint a picture of a nation at a crossroads. The persistence of protests despite the holidays and increasing repression underscores the depth of public discontent with the Georgian Dream government. The allegations of political dismissals further exacerbate the crisis, raising serious concerns about the state of democracy in Georgia. The question remains: how will the government respond to this sustained public pressure? Will they engage in meaningful dialogue and address the demands for reform, or will they continue down a path of repression, further escalating the crisis?
Based on reporting from civil.ge
