The Georgian government has approved events for Independence Day. The opposition has its own plan

The Georgian government, whose legitimacy the opposition refuses to recognize, has approved a plan to organize Independence Day celebrations on May 26 in Tbilisi and other cities.

This is the country's main public holiday. 107 years ago, on May 26, 1918, the democratic government of Georgia headed by Noe Jordania proclaimed the country's independence from the Russian Empire.

The first democratic republic did not last long - only two and a half years, after which it was sovietized. Georgia was able to regain its freedom only in 1991 and this year it celebrates the restoration of its independence for the 34th time.

It is already known that the swearing-in ceremony, organized by the Georgian Ministry of Defense, will take place on Freedom Square and in five municipalities.

The main exhibition areas this year will be located not traditionally, on Rustaveli Avenue, but in the Alexander Garden and the areas adjacent to Orbeliani Street and Square. In particular, as stated in the text of the decree, it is planned to organize educational and entertainment spaces on Orbeliani Street and adjacent territories.

17:10

The historic moment of Georgia's declaration of independence will be solemnized at 17:10.

The ceremony is planned at 5:10 p.m., near the presidential residence on Atoneli and the adjacent territories.

“Georgian Railway” at 17:10 is instructed to switch on the broadcast of the Georgian anthem at stations and in trains, as well as to distribute symbolic branded products and souvenirs to passengers.

Tbilisi will be decorated with flags and banners and the Garden of April 9 will be decorated. The Tbilisi Tower and the Peace Bridge will also be illuminated in the colors of the Georgian flag.

In the evening, a gala concert is planned in the capital.

In parallel, exhibition spaces will be organized and festive events will be held in Poti, Gori, Zugdidi, Kutaisi, Telavi, Akhaltsikhe, Rustavi, Mestia, Ozurgeti, Marneuli, Akhalkalaki, Mtskheta and Ambrolauri.

The total budget allocated for the Independence Day celebrations is still unknown, notes business portal BM.ge.

Opposition prepares marches

Georgia will once again celebrate Independence Day this year amid political crisis. Daily protests have been held in the country for four months following the Georgian Dream government's decision to suspend Georgia's EU accession talks. The ruling party has tightened legislation on holding rallies and is preparing a lawsuit to the Constitutional Court, promising to ban the main opposition parties represented by the “collective National Movement.”

Georgia's Independence Day on May 26 should be a day of big protests and large-scale marches, said Khatia Dekanoidze, one of the leaders of the National Movement.

According to her, political parties and civil activists, including students, should take part in planning protests on this day, and the day itself should be dedicated to the heroes who fell for Georgia's independence and freedom.

“The regime has announced that it will not hold events on Rustaveli Avenue on May 26. In reality, they have nothing to do with Georgia's independence. Independence Day should be a day of big protest and mass marches against the regime,” Dekanoidze said.

Reprinted from https://www.newsgeorgia.ge/