Georgia protests rage on: Demands for new elections
Another night of protests unfolded in Georgia's capital, with demonstrators gathering at the Parliament building on Rustaveli Avenue.
Artists, actors, painters, IT specialists, and former election observers joined the protests in the city center. Security forces and police were deployed in large numbers on Rustaveli Avenue, ready to intervene.
The protesters' main demands included new parliamentary and presidential elections, and the release of all those detained during the protests. Earlier, protesters had hung photos of beaten journalists and activists on a Christmas tree in the square.
Rustaveli Avenue was once again blocked as thousands defied the cold and wind to take to the streets. This time, the march united two unlikely rivals: Real Madrid and FC Barcelona fans, who put aside their rivalry to protest together against the Georgian authorities.
"This is happening a day after the Electoral College chose Georgia's new president. The protesters do not recognize the legitimacy of this vote and have gathered near the Parliament to challenge both the presidential and parliamentary elections. The protesters say that Mikhail Kavelašvili, a former footballer, lacks the education and qualifications to be the country's president."
"We are protesting to show them our diplomas, to show the Georgian Dream party that we are more worthy of being elected president than Mikhail Kavelašvili. He is illegitimate, they are violating the Georgian Constitution. We are protesting because we do not believe they have the right to choose the head of state, nor do they have the right to be in this building."
"He is not a politician, everyone knows he has no experience. How could he participate in international negotiations? He doesn't even have a degree. And they elected him, it's ridiculous, truly laughable. We are here, we are united, and actually, leaderless, because it's a truly popular movement, an exception in our time," the protesters said.
Resigned President Salome Zurabishvili joined the protesters near Orbeliani Palace. Alongside the head of state were hundreds of representatives from the fields of culture and arts: writers, actors, painters, restorers, art historians, as well as IT specialists and former election observers.
The protesters greeted the head of state with applause and cheers.
"I am with you, you are in my heart. To have peace and justice in the country, we need new elections. That's why we are here," Salome Zurabishvili said.
Salome Zurabishvili, whose term officially ends on December 16, previously stated that she is the only legitimate leader of Georgia and will remain in office until a legitimate parliament and subsequently a legitimate president are elected. The inauguration of the newly elected president, Mikhail Kavelašvili, is scheduled for December 29.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
