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Georgia’s police use water cannons to push back protesters trying to storm presidential palace
Opposition groups boycotted elections amid accusations of authoritarianism; police used tear gas and water cannons against 100,000 protesters seeking democratic reforms.
- Georgian police fired tear gas at protesters who tried to enter the presidential palace on Saturday, October 4, 2025, as tens of thousands rallied in Tbilisi against the Georgian Dream party.
- Months of crackdowns had left the vote contested, as raids on independent media, new laws limiting civil society, and jailing of 60 opponents triggered most opposition parties to boycott the election.
- An on-the-ground estimate put the crowd at 100,000 along Rustaveli Avenue, and at around 7 p.m. some protesters tried breaching the presidential palace fence, leaving 14 officers injured, the Interior Ministry said.
- The Central Election Commission reported that with nearly 75 percent of precincts reporting, Georgian Dream secured municipal majorities with more than 80 percent of the vote and said results would be announced shortly.
- The European Union has sanctioned several Georgian Dream officials and suspended accession talks last year, while Brussels warned it could suspend visa-free travel unless rule of law and fundamental rights improve.
168 Articles
168 Articles
According to official announcements, the ruling Georgian Dream party won the local elections in Georgia, receiving 81.7 percent of the vote. Protests broke out in Tbilisi, with the opposition alleging fraudulent results.
Violent protests erupted in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi, following local elections. Protesters stormed the grounds of the presidential residence, demanding that the government negotiate EU accession. Police used water cannons and pepper spray to disperse the crowd.
Georgia's Prime Minister, Irakli Kobakhidzé, announced severe measures against opposition leaders following massive demonstrations in Tbilisi, where tens of thousands of citizens gathered to denounce the authoritarian course of the government and demand greater integration with Europe.The day was marked by violent clashes and a frustrated attempt to break into the presidential palace.The riot police responded with tear gas and water cannons to d…
The protesters built barricades, some of which were the subject of a fire.
Local elections in Georgia: police disperse EU-wire
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