**Georgia’s Labor Day Protests Mark 155 Days of Unrest**
Yesterday, on International Labor Day, Georgian protesters took to the streets once again, demanding change and better working conditions. For 155 days now, independent trade unions and demonstrators have been marching through Tbilisi, calling for an end to what they see as unfair labor practices. The chants were clear: “Workers build Georgia!” and “Freedom, equality, solidarity!”
As protesters gathered in Orbeliani Square, Grigol Gegelia from the opposition coalition Strong Georgia spoke out against the government’s plans to abolish the Directorate General for European Integration within the Foreign Ministry. According to Gegelia, around 250 employees are set to lose their jobs under the guise of reorganization. Those targeted were allegedly those who signed a joint statement last year in support of EU integration and criticized the ruling Georgian Dream party’s decision to halt the accession process.
**Reorganization or Repression?**
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied these claims, stating that there is no truth to the rumors about abolishing the Directorate General for European Integration. However, this statement has only fueled speculation among protesters and opposition groups. If true, the reorganization could be seen as an attempt by the ruling party to silence critics and further consolidate power.
**Former Aide’s Bitcoin Debt and ISFED’s New Leader**
In other news, Giorgi Bachiashvili, a former aide to billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, has been ordered by the Tbilisi City Court to pay his former boss 9,000 bitcoins – valued at around $867 million. This debt is owed in part due to Bachiashvili’s failure to meet bail conditions and subsequent exile from Georgia.
The International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) has named Levan Natroshvili as its new executive director, succeeding Nino Dolidze. ISFED has been a key player in promoting electoral transparency in Georgia, but the organization has faced repeated criticism from the ruling Georgian Dream party in recent years.
**International Pressure Mounts on Georgian Dream**
The European People’s Party (EPP) has adopted a resolution urging coordinated sanctions against Bidzina Ivanishvili and cutting off his bank, Cartu Bank, from international networks. This move comes as protests continue to simmer beneath the surface in Georgia, with many calling for new parliamentary elections.
**Russia Flies into Abkhazia**
Meanwhile, Russia has launched direct flights to the occupied region of Abkhazia, sparking condemnation from Tbilisi for violating international norms and Georgian law. The move is seen by many as a further escalation of tensions between Russia and Georgia.
**Council of Europe Condemns Russian Occupation**
The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe adopted its twelfth decision under the agenda item “The Council of Europe and the Conflict in Georgia,” reiterating its firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia. The decision condemns the continued occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali/South Ossetia by Russia, calling on Moscow to withdraw its military forces from Georgian territory.
As tensions continue to rise in Georgia, one thing is clear: international pressure is mounting on the ruling Georgian Dream party. Will the protests bring about meaningful change or further repression? Only time will tell.
