Thousands of people take to the streets in Georgia to support pro-European opposition

Five columns of protesters marched through the streets of Tbilisi during an event organized by non-governmental organizations advocating for Georgia’s integration into the European Union. The march also received the support of President Salome Zourabichvili, who urged citizens to back the country’s EU aspirations.

«Georgia, standing before me today, is a free Georgia… There is nothing more precious than freedom and peace. Today, I see both the Georgia of the past and a free Georgia before me, united as one. And this country is on its path to becoming part of Europe,» the president declared.

The columns of protesters gathered at Liberty Square were waving EU and Georgian flags. After political speeches, local singers took the stage to perform a concert.

Prior to the event, President Zourabichvili made a public appeal to her fellow citizens, encouraging them to attend the rally despite threats and intimidation. She emphasized that their participation was vital for ensuring Georgia’s freedom and independence.

Earlier this year, Georgia’s path to EU membership hit a roadblock at the EU summit, due to current policies of the Georgian government that contradict European values. This occurred after Georgia adopted a controversial foreign agent law and enacted a ban on LGBT propaganda. Even though Zourabichvili refused to sign the legislation, Speaker of Parliament Shalva Papuashvili signed it the following day.