Supporters of Georgia’s pro‑European opposition marched in central Tbilisi on Saturday, staging large demonstrations against the government as the country held municipal elections, journalists at the scene reported.

The Georgian police responded with tear gas after some protesters attempted to enter the presidential palace, the French news agency said. Local television and a witness cited by Reuters said officers also used pepper spray and high‑pressure water jets to push back the crowd.

Protesters had earlier marched toward the presidential residence and a number of demonstrators tried to force their way into the building, video footage showed. By late afternoon the crowd — waving Georgian and European Union flags — remained gathered in the city centre.

The vote is the first major electoral test for the ruling Georgian Dream party since its disputed parliamentary victory in 2024, and the municipal ballots have taken on heightened political significance. Opposition leaders called on citizens to protest what they call the government’s “authoritarian drift,” while the authorities warned against attempts to stage a “revolution.”

georgia protest

Opposition supporters attend a rally on the day of local elections in Tbilisi, Georgia October 4, 2025. REUTERS/Irakli Gedenidze

Many opposition groups, including the United National Movement (MNU) linked to imprisoned former president Mikheil Saakashvili, have boycotted the municipal elections. Saakashvili, serving a 12‑year sentence, urged his supporters to take to the streets, calling the moment a “last chance” to save Georgia’s democracy.

“I am here to protect our democracy, which Georgian Dream is destroying,” said 77‑year‑old protester Natela Gvakharia. Twenty‑year‑old student Aleko Samniatsvili warned that Georgia’s EU aspirations could be lost if the current government remains in power: “Only by driving them out will we save the country,” he said.

georgia protest

Opposition supporters attend a rally on the day of local elections in Tbilisi, Georgia October 4, 2025. REUTERS/Irakli Gedenidze

After the clashes outside the presidential palace, the interior minister said demonstrators had “exceeded the limits set by law.” Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze warned that authorities would respond firmly to any unrest and said attempts to foment revolution would fail. “We again warn everyone: do not bring yourselves to spend many years behind bars,” he said.

The protests underscore deep political polarisation in Georgia — between a pro‑European opposition demanding reforms and a pro‑Russian‑leaning government that says it is protecting order. The situation remains fluid as votes are counted and tensions persist in the capital.