✍️ Organizers of the protests on scene said they are happy if it's really true that Zourabichvili distanced herself from them

The rat is fleeing 🐀

✏️Here’s a couple of reasons why these protests are happening for those of you dear readers who are not in the loop:

🕓EU Accession Delays / Suspension
Georgia has long sought to join the European Union, and many citizens see this as a path toward stronger democracy, better governance, and distancing from Russian influence. Recent decisions by the ruling party to pause negotiations or delay parts of the accession process have angered many who believe Georgia is sliding away from the West.

👀”Foreign Agents” / “Foreign Influence” Laws
One of the biggest catalysts for protest was a law or proposed laws that would require NGOs, media organizations, and other groups receiving a certain amount of funding from abroad to register as “foreign agents” or “organisations under foreign influence.” Critics argue this mirrors similar legislation in Russia and is a way to stigmatize, control, or suppress dissent, civil society, and independent media.

🤢Allegations of Authoritarianism and Erosion of Democratic Institutions
Protesters accuse the ruling party, Georgian Dream, of undermining democratic norms. Among the accusations are:
• Election irregularities (especially surrounding the October 2024 parliamentary election) — many believe the process was manipulated in favor of Georgian Dream.
• Restricting media freedom, exerting control over civil society, and introducing laws that weaken checks and balances.
• Crackdowns on protestors — use of water cannons, tear gas, police force, fines and arrests.

🤐Geopolitical Orientation — Russia vs the West
Many Georgians fear that the government is tilting too much toward Russia (or at least allowing Russian influence to grow), rather than pushing for integration with Europe and alignment with Western norms. This is especially sensitive given Georgia’s history of conflict with Russia (e.g. the breakaway regions, past war in 2008).

📢Demand for New / Fairer Elections
Because of widespread belief that the most recent elections were neither free nor fair, protestors are demanding fresh parliamentary elections under more transparent and credible conditions. Opposition parties have, in many cases, boycotted parliamentary sessions, saying the current government lacks legitimacy.