Tensions Rise in Tbilisi: Irakli Kobakhidze Urges EU Ambassador to Condemn Protests Amid Political Unrest

Tensions Escalate in Tbilisi as Protests Erupt Over Local Elections

Published On 5 Oct 2025

Tbilisi, Georgia – Protests erupted in the heart of Tbilisi on Saturday, as demonstrators clashed with riot police amid accusations of electoral misconduct by the ruling Georgian Dream party. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has called for the EU ambassador to condemn the unrest, asserting that the opposition’s actions threaten the country’s constitutional order.

The protests coincided with local elections, where the Georgian Dream party claimed sweeping victories across municipalities. Critics, however, labeled the results a sham, alleging that the elections were rigged. Former AC Milan footballer Kakha Kaladze retained the mayorship of Tbilisi, further fueling opposition discontent.

Kobakhidze accused opposition demonstrators of attempting to “overthrow the constitutional order,” and specifically called out EU Ambassador Pawel Herczynski, stating he bears “special responsibility” for the unrest. “I urge him to distance himself and strictly condemn everything that is happening on the streets of Tbilisi,” Kobakhidze said, as he pledged to “completely neutralise foreign agents.”

The protests saw nearly 7,000 participants, according to government estimates, with demonstrators waving Georgian and EU flags in a show of defiance. However, tensions escalated when some protesters attempted to storm the presidential palace, leading to confrontations with police who deployed pepper spray and water cannons. Reports indicate that 21 security personnel and six protesters were injured during the clashes, with five activists detained.

Kobakhidze emphasized that no one would escape responsibility for the unrest, stating, “They moved to action, began the overthrow attempt. It failed, and then they started distancing themselves from it.” His remarks reflect a broader narrative within the ruling party, which has faced accusations of being too close to Russia, a claim they vehemently deny.

The political crisis in Georgia has deepened since the controversial parliamentary elections in October of last year, which the opposition claimed were marred by fraud. President Salome Zourabichvili described the situation as a “total rigging,” suggesting that the country is caught in a “Russian special operation.”

As protests continue, opposition groups are rallying for a “peaceful revolution,” calling for widespread reforms and accountability. The situation remains tense, with the government poised to respond firmly to any further unrest.

With Georgia’s aspirations for EU membership at stake, the coming days will be critical in determining the nation’s political trajectory and its relationship with both the EU and Russia.