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38m ago

Georgian Dream Claims Local Landslide as Police Clash With Protesters in Tbilisi

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze now promises arrests over what he calls a foiled coup attempt.

Police block a street to prevent demonstrators from advancing during an opposition rally in the city center of Tbilisi, Georgia, on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, as they boycott the municipal elections and call for the release of political opponents. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsvadze)
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Opposition supporters with Georgian national flags gather in the city center of Tbilisi, Georgia, on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, boycotting the municipal elections and call for the release of political opponents. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsvadze)
Opposition supporters with Georgian national and EU flags gather in the city center of Tbilisi, Georgia, on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, boycotting the municipal elections and call for the release of political opponents. (AP Photo/Zurab Tsertsvadze)

Overview

  • Georgia’s Central Election Commission said the ruling party secured municipal council majorities nationwide and landslide wins in all mayoral races.
  • Tens of thousands rallied in Tbilisi after an opposition call to protest, and riot police used water cannon, tear gas and pepper spray when a group tried to enter the presidential palace.
  • The Interior Ministry opened an investigation into alleged attempts to overturn the constitutional order and detained five protest leaders who could face up to nine years in prison.
  • Local media cited the Health Ministry saying 21 security officers and six demonstrators were injured during the clashes.
  • Major opposition blocs boycotted the vote as rights groups warned of democratic backsliding, and Kobakhidze accused the EU ambassador of meddling as the bloc maintains sanctions and has frozen accession talks.