As 2024 draws to a close, Georgia finds itself gripped by a deepening political crisis, marked by sustained mass protests and a series of governmental actions that have further inflamed public discontent. The ongoing 33-day wave of demonstrations, with planned events continuing through December 30 and 31, underscores the widespread public opposition to the ruling Georgian Dream party’s policies and perceived deviation from Georgia’s aspirations for European integration.
The preceding day, December 30, witnessed a continuation of widespread unrest, with students and actors from Shota Rustaveli Theatre University staging protests on campus, demanding the resignation of Rector Giorgi Shautashvili. Allegations of suppressing freedom of expression within the university have fueled these calls for leadership change, with protestors accusing the administration of failing to support peaceful demonstrations. The fact that some actors now face legal action further highlights the broader crackdown on dissent and the suppression of opposing viewpoints.
A further critical development involved employees from the National Probation Agency filing lawsuits against their dismissals, claiming they were retaliated against for participating in the ongoing protests. This legal action underscores the severity of the situation and the perceived violation of fundamental rights. Similarly, government administration employee Mate Sokhadze publicly disclosed on Facebook that his contract would not be renewed following his participation in pro-European rallies, characterizing this non-renewal as part of a systematic effort to silence opposition voices within the public sector.
A significant escalation occurred on December 31, when over 100 public registry employees revealed their dismissal following their public dissent against Georgian Dream’s recent shift away from EU integration. This action directly followed President Kavelashvili’s signing of a controversial law widely perceived as repressive and antithetical to Georgia’s stated goal of joining the European Union. The dismissed employees, who had collectively signed a petition denouncing the law, represent a growing rift between the government and a significant portion of the public sector workforce.
Adding to the already heightened tensions, the protest schedule for December 31 featured several high-profile gatherings across Tbilisi. Citizens mobilized for demonstrations at key locations, including Rustaveli Avenue, planning symbolic New Year’s Eve activities to advocate for freedom and democracy. Among these events were the “Magical New Year’s March” near Tbilisi State University and the “New Year for Freedom” rally at Gldani Prison. The anticipated presence of President Salome Zurabishvili alongside citizens on Rustaveli Avenue further underscored the significance and widespread support for these demonstrations.
As the protests have persisted and intensified, international attention on Georgia’s political situation has grown significantly. U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Joe Wilson announced sanctions targeting relatives and associates of key figures believed to be linked to human rights violations in Georgia. This announcement signals a potential escalation in diplomatic pressure from the international community aimed at addressing the deepening political crisis within the country.
Transparency International Georgia has also highlighted a disturbing increase in violence and intimidation directed towards media representatives, emphasizing the government’s apparent inaction in addressing these attacks. A recent report revealed nearly 200 documented cases of intimidation, harassment, and violence against journalists, with a significant proportion occurring since the October elections. The lack of adequate investigations into these incidents raises serious concerns about potential complicity by the ruling party and further erodes public trust in government institutions.
As New Year’s Eve approached, the ongoing protests in Georgia reflected deep-seated public frustrations and a growing demand for accountability, respect for fundamental freedoms, and adherence to democratic values. The events of December 30 and 31 represented a critical juncture in this ongoing movement, with citizens, activists, and international observers closely monitoring developments that will undoubtedly shape Georgia’s political trajectory in 2025.