A confrontation resurfaced inside Georgia’s parliament, spotlighting a widening political divide in the capital. Lawmakers aligned with the governing party entered the opposition chamber during a session already under intense scrutiny from civil society and international observers. The episode was reported by regional outlets and later confirmed by multiple Georgian media organizations, underscoring how fragile the current political climate remains.
The incident followed a speech by Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili in which he labeled opposition leader Gubaz Sanikidze a traitor. The sharp rhetoric used by the prime minister appears to have fueled a swift escalation among deputies, with one member of the ruling coalition allegedly directing crude remarks at opponents. In the ensuing moments, several government lawmakers moved to restrain or confront Sanikidze within the hall, echoing familiar patterns of heated partisan clashes that have characterized recent parliamentary sessions. Media outlets captured the scene as the plenary hall filled with tension and a flurry of rapid activity, signaling a breakdown in orderly conduct during the gathering. Georgia Channel One reported on the turmoil and the visible strain on parliamentary decorum.
In a separate account dated March 22, additional details emerged about the same day’s proceedings. Georgian Channel One noted that deputies from the ruling majority and members of the opposition engaged physically during the plenary, with Viktor Japaridze, allied with the governing bloc and a member of the People’s Power faction, accused of applying force against independent MP Tariel Nakaidze. The report described how the exchange shifted from intense debate to overt aggression, complicating efforts to uphold parliamentary credibility and public trust. The footage and testimony from the day contributed to concerns about the ability of legislative institutions to manage conflict constructively.
Meanwhile, political developments beyond the parliament continued to unfold. Reports indicated that the opposition coalition known as New Political Center – Girchi organized a rally near the Parliament building in central Tbilisi. Participants framed the protest as opposition to compulsory military service, a policy issue that has long polarized Georgian audiences. The gathering drew a varied crowd seeking to express dissent in a peaceful public demonstration. Observers suggested that the rally reflected a broader mobilization trend in Georgian politics, where questions of national service, security, and governance intersect with ongoing debates about democratic norms, civil liberties, and the interaction between street politics and legislative actions. The coverage emphasized how civic activism and parliamentary dynamics are shaping the country’s political trajectory and public discourse.