Georgian opposition forces gathered on Rustaveli Avenue in front of the parliament building on Monday, May 26, to mark Georgia’s Independence Day separately from the ruling Georgian Dream party.
The rally, organized under the Resistance Platform led by former President Salome Zourabichvili, brought together various opposition parties, civil society groups, and activists who marched from multiple locations across the capital to converge on the central avenue. The event program included a film screening and video congratulations from those foreign representatives supporting the opposition movement.
The event served as both a celebration of Georgian independence and a continued protest against what opposition leaders characterize as an illegitimate government.
Zourabichvili Declares Victory Despite Challenges
In her keynote address, former President Zourabichvili delivered a speech emphasizing that Georgians are “already victorious” despite current political turmoil. She referenced the country’s history of resilience, from regaining independence in 1918 after 117 years to restoring sovereignty in 1991 following Soviet occupation.
“We are celebrating because we are already victorious,” Zourabichvili told the crowd. “Georgia has been standing on the streets for two years and has stood every time its independence, freedom, and future were in question.”
The former president described the ongoing protests as the “axis of society’s unity,” comparing them to “the tip of an iceberg” that represents broader public sentiment. She specifically referenced recent youth gatherings at Lake Lisi, suggesting a larger movement ready to mobilize.
“Those who are worried about the protest numbers have probably seen the youth gathered on Lisi,” Zourabichvili said. “This is a protest that is ready, like a big wave, to head to Rustaveli.”
Zourabichvili Outlines Election Strategy
During her speech, Zourabichvili outlined her vision for upcoming elections, stating that the race should begin with parliamentary elections first, followed by local elections, or, at the very least, both held jointly.
“Perhaps, everyone intends to participate in the elections, but it is crucial that this race first starts with the parliamentary elections, then local, or, at the very least, jointly—parliamentary and local,” she said.
The former president accused Georgian Dream of employing a “divide and conquer” strategy by introducing the topic of self-government elections, emphasizing that new electoral rules developed within the Resistance Platform are essential. She stressed the need for immediate preparation, including organizing observers and encouraging diaspora voter registration to ensure the opposition can protect every vote.
The former president also emphasized international support, noting congratulations received from foreign partners that she characterized as recognition of the Georgian people’s courage rather than traditional diplomatic protocols. She praised the international community’s non-recognition of the current government and highlighted ongoing sanctions against Georgian officials.
European Parliament Member Shows Solidarity
Lithuanian Member of the European Parliament Rasa Juknevičienė stood next to Zourabichvili and delivered a speech expressing European solidarity with Georgian protesters.
“I express solidarity with the imprisoned fighters for the European future of Georgia. I am here in solidarity with Mzia Amaglobeli, Zurab Japaridze, President Mikheil Saakashvili, and many, many others,” the MEP declared.
Speaking in English, Georgian and Lithuanian, she conveyed congratulations from European Parliament colleagues and emphasized shared struggles against Russian influence. “Your fight is our common fight. This is the same fight for Europe.”
She directly addressed the Georgian government, calling for “new and fair elections” and declaring that the current regime and Georgia’s European future are “incompatible.”
“One person in Georgia is also very afraid. What is he afraid of? He is afraid of de-Bidzinization. However, this is inevitable because this regime and Georgia’s European future are incompatible. I appeal to the Bidzina Ivanishvili regime’s collaborators: do not be afraid of new and fair elections. History is watching you. Let the people of Georgia say what they want. And no matter what ugly words dictators use, what lies they spread, we will stand with you, people of Georgia. You inspire us!” Juknevičienė concluded.
Saakashvili Supporters Create Internal Tensions
The event was marked by internal opposition tensions when supporters of jailed former President Mikheil Saakashvili appeared with banners reading “Freedom for Misha,” “Freedom for Mikheil the Builder,” and “Misha Is in Prison—He Who Built the Country.”
This display caused discontent among some opposition groups, particularly the Federalist Party. Tamar Chergoleishvili, one of the party’s founders, criticized what she called an attempt to “hijack the rally.”
“The problem is not in Saakashvili’s banner, nor in acknowledging that Saakashvili is a political prisoner,” Chergoleishvili stated. “The problem is in rudeness, in hijacking the rally, in appropriating what is not yours, and this irritates people, this causes confrontation.”
Opposition Leader Questions Zourabichvili’s Position
The rally’s aftermath revealed additional fractures within the opposition when Nika Melia, one of the leaders of the Ahali party, criticized Zourabichvili’s statements on local elections as ambiguous and unclear.
“Today, from the stage, Zourabichvili expressed a very vague position regarding participation in local elections and left question marks,” Melia wrote on social media. “It was unclear whether she was voicing her personal position or speaking on behalf of all parties on the platform.”
Melia emphasized that while unity and coordination are important, they must be based on “clear and solid principles.” He expressed hope that political parties would now establish clearer positions, adding that effective opposition unity requires political clarity rather than ambiguous messaging.
Georgia’s Independence Day
A solemn ceremony celebrating Georgia’s Independence Day was held at Liberty Square in Tbilisi. Nearly 700 recruits took the military oath, joining the Defence Forces. President Mikheil Kavelashvili, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili, and Defence Minister Irakli Chikovani delivered the speeches. Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps also attended the event.
Today, May 26, Georgia commemorates Independence Day. On this day in 1918, the National Council adopted the Act of State Independence, establishing a democratic republic and laying the foundation for a European-style government. However, this independence was short-lived; in 1921, the Red Army invaded and annexed Georgia, forcing the government and most of the Constituent Assembly into exile.
Decades later, on March 31, 1991, Georgians overwhelmingly voted in a referendum to restore independence. The Act of Restoration of Georgia’s State Independence officially took effect on April 9, 1991, re-establishing Georgia as a sovereign nation.
