Georgian police on Saturday fired tear gas and water supplies at anti-government protesters who tried to enter the presidential palace after opposition parties urged them to do so.
The ruling, the populist George Andreem Party, faces its first election test on Saturday as a parliamentary poll contested a year ago plunged the Black Sea nation into chaos and Brussels urged it to effectively freeze the EU and potential countries’ accession process.
After the poll ended at 1600 GMT, the party claimed in a Facebook post that it “won elections in all municipalities without exception.” Official results are expected late in the evening.
Prior to the demonstrations, authorities pledged a harsh response to those who threw it as seeking a “revolution.”
Activist Paata Virturaze, transformed into an opera star, read a declaration claiming that “power will return to people,” and took part in a Freedom Square demonstration to brand “illegal” and announce the transition.
Protesters then marched towards the Presidential Palace, attempting to enter the complex, urging law enforcement to fire tear gas and water cannons. The protesters built barricades and set fire to the fire.
Incarcerated former reformist president, Mikhail Saakashvili, urged his supporters to protest Election Day about what they called “last chance” to save Georgia’s democracy.
Prime Minister Irakli Kobakitze said the plan for a “revolution” was destined to fail, accusing organizers of “extremism” and threatened that many might find themselves behind the bar.”
MNA