Opposition Alliance Marches in Tbilisi Under Slogan 'Georgia Without Ivanishvili'
By Messenger Staff
Monday, October 26, 2026
Representatives of opposition parties and civil society marched in Tbilisi under the slogan "Georgia Without Ivanishvili" on October 25, protesting what opposition leaders describe as democratic backsliding and political repression.
Organized by the Opposition Alliance, the rally began in the yard of Tbilisi State University (TSU), with participants marching toward Rustaveli Avenue. Demonstrators chanted "Glory to Georgia!" and "Long live a united, national, and independent Georgia!"
Giga Bokeria, one of the leaders of The Federalists, accused the government of using repression and propaganda to make society accept corruption, the enrichment of Bidzina Ivanishvili and his inner circle, and Georgia's isolation in the face of Russia.
Bokeria said the proposed ban on opposition parties was part of this effort. He argued that the government had also failed to address problems in education, healthcare, and other sectors, calling on opposition forces to offer the public a credible alternative and organize a peaceful movement capable of creating conditions for free elections.
Tamar Chergoleishvili, leader of The Federalists, said the attempt to ban opposition parties reflected Ivanishvili's crisis of legitimacy.
"By banning any alternative, Ivanishvili is acknowledging his own crisis of legitimacy. He admits that he no longer trusts the Georgian people and fears their free choice," she said.
Chergoleishvili argued that the government had failed to address systemic poverty, corruption, mass emigration, families separated by migration, and children growing up in poverty. She called for continued peaceful resistance and said the campaign would continue beyond November 28 until political freedom was restored and free elections became possible.
"Long live the Republic of Georgia! Long live the Georgian people! Glory to freedom!" she said.
Levan Tsutskiridze, leader of Freedom Square, urged citizens to support opposition parties, arguing that political change would be impossible without stronger political organization.
Although his party is not directly affected by the current legal case seeking to ban opposition parties, Tsutskiridze said he had joined the rally in defense of democracy, freedom, and the multiparty system. He warned that the proposed bans could lead to one-party rule and called on citizens to support opposition parties as members, donors, and advocates.
Tsutskiridze said opposition groups would present further initiatives in the coming days and urged the public to participate. He also called for a large turnout on November 28, stressing the need for stronger organization, discipline, and trust among opposition supporters.
Nika Gvaramia, leader of the Coalition for Change, described the October 25 rally as the opening phase of a renewed protest movement under the slogan "Georgia Without Ivanishvili".
Gvaramia argued that Georgia cannot achieve its European aspirations as long as Ivanishvili remains in control of the country's political system. He urged supporters to keep mobilizing and build momentum toward a major demonstration on November 28-marking the anniversary of the government's decision to freeze EU accession negotiations.
