On December 28, 2024, significant protests unfolded across Georgia following the controversial parliamentary elections held in October, which resulted in the ruling Georgian Dream party securing over 54% of the vote. Allegations of election fraud have been raised by various parties, including President Salome Zourabichvili.
The unrest began on November 28 after the Georgian Dream government announced a postponement of EU integration talks. In response, thousands of demonstrators gathered, forming a human chain along the Mtkvari River in Tbilisi, accompanied by music from the Beatles.
Protests extended to multiple cities including Batumi, Kutaisi, and Rustavi, with participants accusing the ruling party of moving Georgia closer to Russian influence and jeopardizing the country’s EU aspirations, which are supported by 80% of the populace.
President Zourabichvili participated in the demonstrations but has faced calls to resign after the election of Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former football player, as her successor by a pro-Georgian Dream electoral college. The opposition has deemed this election illegitimate.
In a related development, the Biden administration imposed sanctions on Bidzina Ivanishvili, founder of the Georgian Dream party, accusing him of undermining Georgia’s democratic future for the benefit of Russia. Additional sanctions were also placed on other Georgian officials. However, EU sanctions against these officials were blocked by Hungary and Slovakia.