The protests, which have continued for months, have gained momentum across the country, especially in the capital, Tbilisi. Despite harsh crackdowns and violent confrontations with law enforcement, the opposition insists that they will not back down. For Japaridze, this is not just a political dispute—it’s a fight against a government that they claim has lost the people’s trust and international legitimacy.
Opposition’s Strategic Plan: Non-recognition and Mass Protests
At a recent press conference, Japaridze laid out what he called a “strategic plan” for the opposition parties, highlighting four key directions for their ongoing efforts:
- Non-recognition of the regime: Both domestically and internationally, the opposition groups have made it clear they will not recognize the government currently in power. Japaridze emphasized that, despite attempts by the Georgian Dream to assert control, they continue to face widespread disapproval. “No one is going to enter this parliament,” he asserted, referencing the planned elections on December 14.
- Widespread protests: The opposition leader noted that the protests have spread beyond Tbilisi, gaining support from large population centers across Georgia. “I don’t remember so many people coming out together in the city,” he said, referring to the unprecedented turnout at demonstrations.
- Support for arrested protesters: With over 500 people detained and many suffering physical abuse, the opposition has made it a priority to provide legal and financial aid to those affected by the crackdown. Japaridze thanked various charitable funds for helping those who have been injured or arrested during protests, particularly in cases where people lost their jobs for protesting.
- International Non-recognition: Japaridze emphasized that Georgia remains diplomatically isolated, with few countries recognizing the legitimacy of the Georgian Dream government. He criticized recent interactions between Georgian officials and foreign diplomats, specifically calling out a meeting between the EU Ambassador and the Georgian Foreign Minister, Maka Bochorishvili. “The EU ambassador must express the common position of EU member states, not act as an individual diplomat,” Japaridze said.
Despite the tensions, he also expressed his gratitude for the international support Georgia has received. According to him, the recognition of Georgia’s opposition as legitimate by foreign countries plays a critical role in the ongoing battle for democracy.
December 14 Election: A Symbol of Defiance
The opposition’s protests are intensifying ahead of the December 14 election, which they view as a political farce. Japaridze reiterated that the election, set to take place in Georgia’s Parliament building, would lack any true democratic legitimacy. The election is for Georgia’s sixth president, and Mikheil Kavelashvili has been named as the Georgian Dream’s candidate.
For the opposition, the planned election serves as a symbol of the government’s refusal to listen to the will of the people. Japaridze stated that the protests would continue until there was a fundamental shift in Georgia’s political landscape. “The next important date is December 14,” he warned, stressing that the opposition would not accept the results of a vote they believe is rigged from the outset.
The State of Georgia’s Protests: Unyielding Amid Violence
Japaridze’s remarks come amid reports of police violence against protesters, with hundreds of arrests and dozens of reported injuries, many of which involved media representatives. “More than 350 people were beaten, and 100 were hospitalized, including 90 media representatives,” Japaridze noted. Despite the brutality faced by demonstrators, Japaridze pointed out that the protests continue to draw large crowds each evening, showing the resilience of the opposition movement.
The protests, which have been ongoing for months, show no signs of abating. In fact, Japaridze believes that the public’s dissatisfaction is only growing. “The non-recognition on the part of the population continues,” he stated, referring to the widespread sentiment that the current government no longer has the legitimacy to govern.
Looking Ahead: A Day of Reckoning?
As December 14 looms, it is clear that Georgia’s political future is uncertain. Will the election go forward as planned, or will the protests lead to further disruptions? Japaridze and his supporters remain resolute, promising to continue their fight for a government they deem to be more representative of the people’s will.
For now, the political landscape remains highly charged, with both sides gearing up for what could be a significant confrontation. The opposition’s strategy is clear: they will continue to protest and push for non-recognition of the Georgian Dream government, no matter what happens on December 14. It’s a make-or-break moment for Georgia’s future, and one that will likely shape the country’s political trajectory for years to come.
