Protests Erupt Across Georgia as President Zourabichvili Declares Current Parliament ‘Illegitimate’

Massive protests have gripped Georgia for a third consecutive night as tensions mount over the government’s decision to pause European Union accession talks.

President Salome Zourabichvili, aligning herself with the opposition, has vowed to remain in office until fresh parliamentary elections are held, calling the current parliament “illegitimate” following allegations of election fraud.

Zourabichvili’s remarks come amid escalating demonstrations in Tbilisi and other cities, including Batumi, Kutaisi, and Zugdidi.

Protesters are demanding new elections and a return to Georgia’s pro-European path, which many feel has been derailed by the ruling Georgian Dream party.

In Tbilisi, riot police have deployed tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to disperse crowds gathered outside the parliament building.

Clashes intensified into the early hours of Sunday, with protesters reportedly throwing Molotov cocktails and stones. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze claimed that 50 police officers were injured, while opposition groups accused authorities of using excessive force.

The crackdown has led to the detention of 150 protesters, with reports of demonstrators being beaten with batons during police raids. The US State Department condemned the “excessive use of force” and called for peaceful resolution on all sides.

Last month’s parliamentary elections, which Georgian Dream claims to have won, have been marred by allegations of voter intimidation, vote-buying, and harassment of observers. Opposition parties are boycotting the new parliament and have called for fresh elections under international supervision.

The European Parliament has described the election as part of Georgia’s “worsening democratic crisis,” blaming the ruling party for the turmoil.

Following the resolution, Kobakhidze announced a suspension of EU accession talks until 2028, sparking widespread backlash.

“The Georgian people overwhelmingly support integration with Europe,” the US State Department said in a statement, adding that recent actions by the Georgian government undermine democratic progress.

Protests have also gained momentum in the cultural and diplomatic spheres. Georgian ambassadors to Bulgaria, the Netherlands, and Italy have resigned in opposition to the government’s stance.

Hundreds of civil servants have signed letters condemning the decision to halt EU negotiations, labeling it a betrayal of Georgia’s national interests.

Public figures, writers, and journalists have staged demonstrations outside Georgia’s public broadcaster in Tbilisi, accusing it of spreading pro-government propaganda.

“The broadcaster must be freed from Russian influence and regime pressure,” said writer Lasha Bugadze.

Despite the newly elected parliament’s plans to replace her on December 14, Zourabichvili has pledged to remain in office to ensure stability. “What these people on the streets are demanding is new elections to restore this country and its European path,” she said

The president’s stance has further isolated Georgian Dream, which critics accuse of steering the country closer to Russia. Since taking power in 2012, the party has faced repeated allegations of undermining democratic institutions and suppressing dissent.

The US has suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia, citing “anti-democratic actions” by the government. The European Parliament has also issued warnings about Georgia’s democratic backsliding.

As protests show no signs of abating, the political crisis highlights the widening rift between Georgia’s pro-European aspirations and the ruling party’s actions. Whether the demands for fresh elections will lead to tangible change remains uncertain, but the demonstrations underscore growing public frustration with the country’s current trajectory.

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