Supporters of Georgian Dream resort to violence against demonstrators outside their election headquarters
In the heart of Tbilisi's central area, on Melikishvili Street, clashes erupted between supporters of the ruling party Georgian Dream and anti-government protesters during a regular march towards parliament.
The violence began when Georgian Dream supporters threw bottles and stones at the protesters. The clashes involved several people, and several protesters were injured during the attacks. Two journalists from Publika also reported being attacked, with one having her phone stolen.
The incident occurred outside Georgian Dream's election HQ in Tbilisi on Monday evening, since the party's election office opened on 3 September. The site has been the location of tense standoffs between protesters and ruling party supporters.
The march from the public broadcaster has been taking place daily since November 2024 in response to the government's U-turn on its EU membership application. On the opening ceremony evening, a Georgian Dream youth leader was filmed spitting on several protesters and a journalist. OC Media co-founder Mariam Nikuradze was also thrown water by a Georgian Dream supporter, with nearby police officers not intervening.
Officers removed the protesters from outside the office and moved them further down the street. However, the Georgian Dream supporters were forced back into the party's HQ, only to come outside again to confront the protesters. Police attempted to separate the two groups several times but did not make any arrests.
Kakha Kaladze, the Georgian politician and current mayor of Tbilisi, is seeking a third term in the upcoming elections. Kaladze, a member of the ruling party Georgian Dream, has a comprehensive career both in sports and politics. After his successful sporting career, he transitioned into politics and was elected as an MP in 2012, later becoming the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy in the Georgian government. He was appointed as Tbilisi's mayor in 2017 and has since continued in this position.
During his tenure as mayor, Kaladze has implemented several infrastructure projects in Tbilisi, such as the expansion of public transportation and the improvement of tourist infrastructures. He has also introduced measures to improve the environment and support local businesses. Kaladze enjoys support within the ruling party and has a strong presence in the political landscape of Georgia. His candidacy for a third term as mayor is part of the efforts to continue his political goals in Tbilisi.
Local elections are scheduled to take place on 4 October, with most opposition parties boycotting the vote, claiming the government intends to rig it. The clashes in Tbilisi are a reminder of the ongoing political tensions in the country.
