United National Movement rally held in Tbilisi

The Government’s resignation has been the demand of today’s opposition rally in the Georgian capital Tbilisi.

Thousands of people gathered at the former ruling United National Movement (UNM) party-organised rally at Tbilisi’s central Liberty Square. Rally participants carried the Georgian, Ukrainian, European Union and NATO flags.

UNM leader and former President Mikheil Saakashvili, who is wanted in Georgia for multiple charges, addressed the rally participants from Brussels. 

"I miss you all. I miss Georgia,” he said.

"I believe I will overcome all obstacles and arrive in Georgia to save the country.”

UNM leaders blamed the Government for "being not productive” and driving the country back "to the past”.

"When so many people take to the streets, you should guess it’s time to leave,” one of UNM leaders, Nika Melia said.

Another opposition leader Goka Gabashvili said the UNM could start permanent street rallies, which would eventually result in the Government’s resignation.  

Meanwhile, a counter-protest rally against the UNM rally was held in another location in Tbilisi. The counter-rally participants said the UNM had no "moral right” to hold street rallies as they had done "so much crime” while in power.