Photo Story | ‘Georgia Chooses EU’ Rally Ahead of October 26 Elections
"Georgia chooses EU." Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.ge
Exactly six days before the crucial parliamentary elections in Georgia, Georgians took to the streets of Tbilisi in a rally titled “Georgia Chooses EU” to show the world that Georgians are committed to voting for pro-Western parties on October 26. The rally began with a march from five different locations in Tbilisi, with crowds converging on Freedom Square. The night was accompanied by a concert by popular Georgian musicians and speeches by CSO representatives, activists and the President. According to various estimations, around 90,000 to 100,000 people participated in the rally.
The President of Georgia, Salome Zurabishvili, joined the demonstrators and addressed them from the stage, emphasizing that “nothing is more precious than freedom and peace.” She said her grandson was born on the same day, and noted the symbolism of this as the crowed chanted “Congratulations!” While emphasizing the importance of the elections and the rally for Georgia’s future, she also addressed her Moldovan and Ukrainian counterparts- wishing Maia Sandu victory and a successful referendum on EU membership, and addressing Volodymir Zelenskyy, saying that Georgians know that he’s fighting for Georgians too, and that he will prevail. She expressed her hope that the three countries will join the EU together.
Civil.ge‘s Guram Muradov captured memorable moments from the rally:
“People with disabilities choose Europe.” Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.ge“Georgian education system is in danger.” Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.ge“Come to the elections, protect your European future.” Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.geBikers join the rally. Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.geGeorgian biker couple draped in EU and Georgian flags. Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.gePerson with disability leads the rally. Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.geGeorgian and EU flags raised high during the march. Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.ge“Georgia chooses EU.” Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.geDemonstrators wave Georgian flags. Guram Muradov/Civil.geTens of thousands of people gather on Freedom Square. Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.geGeorgian President Salome Zurabishvili adresses the demonstrators. Photo by Zurab TsertsvadzeGeorgian President Zurabishvili joins the march. Photo by Zurab Tsertsvadze“Come to the elections” & “Georgia chooses EU.” Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.geA boy at the rally. Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.ge“Georgia is here.” Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.geBikers wave Georgian flag. Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.geRally lights up with flashlights. Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.ge“Georgia Chooses EU” handmade hat on the rally participant. Photo by Guram Muradov/Civil.gePoster saying “Come to the elections”, October 16, Tbilisi, Photo: Guram Muradov/Civil.ge
