Violent protests in Georgia: Opposition fights against election fraud!

Violent protests in Georgia: Opposition fights against election fraud!

Things are simmering in Georgia after the controversial parliamentary election that took place on October 28, 2024. While the ruling party “Georgian Dream” declared itself the winner with 54 percent of the vote, according to the electoral commission, the pro-Western opposition parties accused the government of massive election manipulation. Experts, such as Stefan Meister of the German Council on Foreign Relations, estimate that the manipulation was at least ten percent, making the elections the most rigged in Georgia's history. Even before the election, there were protests against the governing party, which intensified due to the postponement of EU accession negotiations until 2028 Small newspaper reported.

The opposition, led by President Salome Zurabishvili, has not recognized the election results and is also talking about fraud that overshadowed the elections. Zurabishvili and her supporters boycotted parliament and called on the population to protest, resulting in tens of thousands of supporters taking to the streets of Tbilisi. Since then, there have been violent clashes in which several hundred people have been arrested and police are facing allegations of violence and torture. The ZDF reported on the growing unrest that could potentially lead to further escalations between the opposition and the government.

The inauguration of the new president is scheduled for December 29, but the political situation in Georgia remains tense amid ongoing protests and resistance from the opposition. Russia's influence on the ruling party and possible international support for the opposition could be crucial for the country's future development. Experts warn that the creation of an authoritarian regime by the ruling party could further undermine democratic structures.