The ongoing protests in Tbilisi have reached their 28th day, with citizens maintaining their demand for political and social reforms. The day’s schedule includes a diverse range of rallies, reflecting the widespread participation of various groups in society. Demonstrations are set to begin with a general strike at 13:00 and continue with sector-specific marches, such as marketers, designers, and creative professionals rallying from the former Sports Palace at 16:00. Minority groups, including Armenians and Azerbaijanis, will march from their respective starting points toward the Parliament at 18:00, while Batumi residents and students from various schools will join the protests later in the evening. The culmination of the day’s events will take place with a protest at the Parliament and a rally at the Public Broadcaster building on Kostava Street.
Amidst the protests, new claims of politically motivated dismissals have emerged. The Social Workers’ Union reported that several employees at the National Agency for Crime Prevention, Non-Custodial Sentences Enforcement and Probation, including the only social worker and psychologist at the Juvenile Referral Centre in Kutaisi, were informed their contracts would not be renewed. The Union suspects these actions were influenced by the workers’ political views, citing the dismissals as part of a troubling pattern during a time of significant staffing shortages. The Union pledged to fight against these dismissals using all available legal and solidarity-based means.
President Salome Zurabishvili addressed the ongoing protests on Platform X, emphasizing the extraordinary unity among Georgian citizens, including national minorities. Highlighting the nearing one-month mark of the demonstrations, Zurabishvili called attention to the strength of the Georgian people and their demand for transformative change.
Meanwhile, international observers continue to weigh in on Georgia’s political climate. Carl Bildt, Co-Chair of the European Council on Foreign Relations, noted the critical juncture Georgia faces as December 29 approaches. Bildt suggested that the European Union and other international bodies will soon need to decide on whom they consider the legitimate leader of the nation amid the escalating protests.
The demonstrations showcase a cross-section of Georgian society, united in their pursuit of justice and reform. As the situation unfolds, both domestic and international responses will play a pivotal role in shaping Georgia’s future.