Protests Erupt Over Disputed Georgian Election as Parliament Convenes

Opposition boycotts parliament, denouncing the election as fraudulent and accusing the ruling party of aligning with Russian interests.

The ruling Georgian Dream party convened the first session of parliament after an October election widely criticized for alleged voter fraud and irregularities.
Opposition parties boycotted the session, refusing to accept the election results and calling the new parliament illegitimate.
Pro-European President Salome Zurabishvili has filed a lawsuit to annul the election, citing violations of constitutional voting rights and accusing Russia of interference.
Thousands of protesters gathered outside the parliament building, accusing the ruling party of undermining Georgia's EU aspirations and moving closer to Moscow.
Western observers and the EU have called for investigations into the alleged electoral fraud, while Georgian Dream denies the accusations and maintains its commitment to EU membership.