Protests in Tbilisi Amid Local Elections in Georgia

On the day of the local self-government elections in Georgia, the capital city of Tbilisi has become a crossroads of opposing moods and parallel realities. While youth raise their voices in a protest march through the city's central streets, the office of the ruling "Georgian Dream" party is already preparing to celebrate their confident victory in the elections.

Students and young people have become the driving force of the protest. In the second half of the day, a large youth march started from near Tbilisi State University, with participants moving towards the heart of the city, Freedom Square. Marching through the capital's central streets, the participants have drawn the attention of citizens and the media, creating an alternative political agenda parallel to the electoral process. During the march, the protesters made their first symbolic stop. The column of students stopped near the campaign headquarters of Tbilisi's incumbent mayor, Kakha Kaladze. This was a direct and clear message to the city authorities. Kaladze, who is running for a third consecutive term as the head of the capital in these elections, has become one of the main targets of the protest.

The final destination of the march is Freedom Square, where a peaceful protest is planned. This location was not chosen by chance; for decades, it has been a symbol of civil activism and political struggle in Georgia. It was previously announced that during the rally, Paata Burchuladze, the leader of the "Rustaveli Avenue" movement, will give a speech and read a "people's declaration."

While an atmosphere of protest pervades the capital's streets, a completely different mood reigns at the central office of the ruling "Georgian Dream" party. Preparations for a victory celebration have already begun there. A stage is being set up in the courtyard of the party office, from where, most likely, victory speeches will be delivered in the evening.

It should be recalled that local self-government elections are being held in Georgia on October 4. A number of opposition parties and most observers have boycotted the elections.