Protests in Georgia near one-month mark as citizens demand changes

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As protests in Georgia approach reach the one-month mark, citizens from across the country continue to demand significant political changes, including new parliamentary elections and the release of prisoners detained during the demonstrations.

The protests began on 28 November after Prime Minister Kobakhidze announced that Georgia would postpone its EU bid until 2028. Since then, there has been a steady flow of people marching during the day and standing in solidarity through the night.

The movement has united a diverse range of groups, including students, women, professionals from various fields, and even dancers performing Khorumi, a traditional Georgian combat dance.

One demonstrator, Bakur Kvaratskhelia, emphasised the people's demands, “What the people request is preliminary elections, the release of detained prisoners, and changes for a better future in Europe. We are really members of the European family. The bright future is in Europe, and we all strive for that.”

On 25 December, the movement saw a powerful demonstration of unity as a large group of Armenians, Azerbaijanis, and other national minorities living in Georgia joined the protests in what was called the "Unity March". Walking down the main street of Tbilisi, they lent their voices to the growing calls for political change.

Kamila Mamedova, a demonstrator from the ethnic minority group, expressed her shared aspirations, “We have united the ethnic minorities living in Georgia. We, like any citizen of Georgia, want a normal life. A life without fear, a life where your rights are protected, where your culture is protected. That is why we want a European future.”

The political situation in Georgia remains tense, with deepening divisions. The president, opposition parties, and the protesters all assert that they are not going to step back, signaling that the struggle for political change is far from over.