Overview

• The Central Election Commission reported Georgian Dream winning more than 80% in local elections that several opposition parties boycotted.
• Tens of thousands gathered in central Tbilisi as parts of the crowd tried to reach the presidential residence and police responded with tear gas and water cannons.
• The Interior Ministry opened a criminal investigation into alleged calls to violently overthrow the constitutional order and detained five alleged organizers who could face up to nine years in prison.
• Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze described the protests as a planned coup attempt tied to foreign intelligence services and pledged that those responsible would be punished.
• Pro‑opposition Pirveli TV reported that detained activist and opera singer Paata Burchuladze is in intensive care, a claim not independently confirmed, while critics point to restrictive laws and a stalled EU accession process as evidence of democratic backsliding.