Thousands of demonstrators gathered in front of the parliament building in Tbilisi, Georgia, on New Year’s Eve, continuing their pro-European Union protests that have been ongoing for over a month.
The protests began in response to Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s decision to suspend Georgia’s EU accession talks for four years.
Despite the festive atmosphere, the protesters remained resolute in their demands for the government to reconsider its stance on EU integration.
They waved flags of the EU, Georgia, and other countries, and chanted slogans calling for new parliamentary elections.
In a show of solidarity, the protesters shared homemade festive dishes and set up tables along Shota Rustaveli Avenue, offering food to tourists visiting the capital.
The crowd welcomed 2025 with firework displays, their spirits undimmed by the chilly winter weather.
The Georgian government has accused Western-backed forces, including supporters of former President Salome Zourabichvili and opposition groups, of attempting to overthrow the government through “street demonstrations.”
The US and several European countries have imposed sanctions on Georgian government officials in response.
As the protests continue into the new year, all eyes are on the Georgian government’s next move. Will they reconsider their stance on EU integration, or will the protests escalate further?
