Within the heart of Tbilisi, police special forces moved with purpose as water cannons sprayed the crowd around the parliament complex. Jets of icy water cut through the dark air, driving protesters back as shouts rose and phones recorded the moment. The scene carried a knot of tension that reflected Georgia’s ongoing political struggle, with security personnel focused on crowd control and the prompt restoration of order. Onlookers watched as the methodical work of the officers sought to create space between demonstrators and government buildings, while many participants maintained their chants and pressed for arguments they believed should shape the countryuture.
The day before, in a separate clash, police confronted demonstrators who objected to the rejection of talks on Georgia’s European Union accession from the parliament building. The crowd then pressed toward Rustaveli Boulevard, seeking to widen the demonstration, yet security forces stood firm and again used water cannons to disperse the march. Some protesters argued for dialogue and accountability, while authorities attempted to contain the protest with a disciplined periphery. The confrontation underscored the volatile dynamic between activists and the state at a moment when Europeacing questions about Georgia’s path to the EU remains at the forefront of public debate.
Detentions were reported, though the exact number could not be confirmed. Witnesses described a number of arrests around the central square and along approaches to the parliament, with authorities not providing a running tally. The arrests signaled a serious insistence on maintaining control over the scene and indicated the willingness of security forces to remove those they identified as participants in the unrest. The development added pressure on a situation already marked by divisions, as communities debated the proper route for national policy and the pace of change.
Earlier in the day, the demonstration in the city center broke into a confrontation with the office of the ruling party on Rustaveli Boulevard. Windows were smashed as protesters threw eggs and stones at the façade, revealing a shift from peaceful assembly toward more direct action. The action did not reflect every participant, but it highlighted mounting anger over the political process and the sense that citizens demanded urgent responses. Security personnel reinforced the perimeter and worked to deter further escalation while continuing to monitor the surroundings for any additional threats.
By the evening of 29 November, the protests intensified with paint and pyrotechnics directed at the authorities. Barricades appeared along Rustaveli Street, and fires and debris painted a vivid, volatile image of the city at night. In response, special forces employed tear gas and smoke grenades to disperse the crowd and restore order. The sequence of actions produced a tense atmosphere, blending urgency with determination as demonstrators pressed on and security forces maintained a firm, controlled response to the escalating situation.
In broader coverage, observers described the events in the context of Georgia’s ongoing engagement with the European Union. The city of Tbilisi emerged as a focal point in a wider debate about national direction and international alignment, with public sentiment reflecting deep concerns about leadership, reform, and dialogue. The evolving situation highlighted fault lines within the country and underscored the delicate balance authorities strive to maintain between preserving public safety and honoring the public’s demand for meaningful political change.