In Tbilisi, the installation of a Christmas tree at the opposition gathering place began

On December 9, the mayor's office of the Georgian capital started installing a large New Year's tree near the Parliament. This is the place where the opposition gathers for rallies.

The footage, which Izvestia has at its disposal, shows that the base of the tree occupies almost the entire area where protesters used to gather. The fir tree is placed at this location every year.

Street against the dream: what is happening on the Georgian Maidan

Opposition revolts for almost a week, authorities refuse re-elections

Earlier in the day, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced the adoption by the Georgian parliament of a law banning face covering at rallies with masks and other elements of clothing. According to him, this is a method of combating acts of violence during protests.

Protests continue in Tbilisi over the suspension of European integration talks. The protesters oppose the decision to postpone negotiations with the European Union (EU) until 2028.

On December 2, Georgian security forces were forced to use tear gas to disperse demonstrators in the center of Tbilisi. On November 30, protesters attempted to set fire to the Georgian parliament building and damaged dozens of offices.

Amid these events, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili refused to step down when her term expires at the end of December. In response, Kobakhidze warned that she would be required by law to leave office.

On November 28, the ruling Georgian Dream party decided to suspend until 2028 discussions with the EU on opening accession talks. As the country's Prime Minister specified, Georgia will continue to fulfill its obligations under the associated membership and free trade agreement and will fulfill them by 90% by 2028.