Georgians Ring in New Year with Massive Pro-EU Rally

Tbilisi (Eurotoday) – Thousands of pro-EU protestors rallied outside Georgia’s parliament to celebrate the New Year, persisting month-long demonstrations against the government.

New Year’s Eve witnessed tens of thousands assemble outside parliament in central Tbilisi, waving European Union and Georgian flags. Many protestors brought food to share and formed a festive table traversing dozens of meters on Tbilisi’s central avenue adorned with Christmas lights, remaking the 34th consecutive day of demonstrations against the ruling Georgian Dream party into a New Year celebration.

Georgia’s departing President, Salome Zurabishvili, also joined the demonstrators.

“2024 was the year of our unity, and 2025 will be the year of our victory,”

She told the gathering. Despite new pro-Russian President Kavelashvili’s inauguration, she declares herself the “only legitimate president,” vowing not to vacate her office until new elections are organized. She calls his inauguration a “parody” and says the latest elections were illegitimate.

Why are Georgians opposing the Georgian Dream Party?

The protests began on November 28, 2024, after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced a four-year suspension of EU accession talks and postponed Georgia’s EU bid until 2028. This was met with all-around condemnation and accusations of authoritarianism from the opposition and civil society. This movement has brought together ethnic minorities, students, and professionals demanding significant political changes. Demonstrators stress that Georgia should be more in line with European values and governance.

The protests have sometimes been violent, and police have reportedly used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. The police have arrested more than 400 people, which has drawn criticism from Western leaders and European Union human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, who accuse the police of brutality.