The protests began after the disputed October 2024 parliamentary elections, which the opposition and international observers denounced as fraudulent. Discontent intensified when the ruling Georgian Dream party said it would delay talks on joining the European Union until 2028. Mass demonstrations in Georgia have continued for more than 300 days, with protesters blocking central Tbilisi’s Rustaveli Avenue and rallying in over eight cities nationwide. The Prime Minister added: “Of course, we cannot allow such a scenario to unfold in Georgia. AdvertisementDuring the protests’ initial phase, security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators and made hundreds of arrests.