Zelensky addressed the protesters in Tbilisi/Collage of Channel 24

An anti-government rally took place in the capital of Georgia after the refusal to grant the country candidate status for EU membership. President Volodymyr Zelensky and head of the Servant of the People faction David Arakhamia addressed the participants of the rally.

The anti-government rally took place a day after the EU recommended granting Ukraine and Moldova candidate status for EU membership, but Georgia, which also applied, has so far been denied. The EU says that the status will be granted after some issues are resolved.

Georgians promise indefinite protests

According to SOVA, the protest was organized by the public movement “Sirtskhvilla”, whose name in translation sounds like “shame”. The protesters note that all the promises of the government are nothing, since it remains loyal to the oligarchs.

The main demand of the protesters is the implementation of the agreement concluded between the Georgian authorities and the opposition through the mediation of the President of the European Council Charles Michel, and the responsibility for the implementation of reforms should be taken the Georgian people.

The government gives a week to fulfill all the requirements. Otherwise, they promise indefinite protests.

Zelensky's address to the protesters

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the rally participants, whose appearance on the screen was met with applause. The head of state stressed that he believes in the European future of Georgia. Zelensky stressed that Ukraine will help Georgia on its way to the European Union.

Ukraine has become a candidate for EU membership. You are on this path. Act, and we will help you,” Zelensky stressed.

Separately, the president stressed that Crimea and Donbass are part of Ukraine, just as Abkhazia and South Ossetia are part of Georgia. Zelensky thanked all the Georgians who are now defending Ukraine in the war with Russia.

After that, David Arakhamia addressed the protesters, who stressed that Georgians, like Ukrainians, would not tolerate humiliation and would defend their future. The politician stressed that Georgia's place is in the European family, so nothing will prevent Ukraine and Georgia from joining the EU together.

After the addresses, the national anthem of Ukraine was played in the center of Tbilisi.

Appeal of Zelensky and Arakhamia to the protesters in Tbilisi: watch the video

Recall that on the evening of June 23, Ukraine and Moldova received the status of candidates for membership in the European Union. True, in order to confirm the status, countries must fulfill several conditions. For example, Ukraine has put forward 7 demands for reforms, which include the reform of the Constitutional Court and the continuation of judicial reform, the fight against corruption, the appointment of the head of the SAP, the fight against money laundering and oligarchs, the harmonization of audiovisual legislation with EU standards and the adoption of a law on national minorities.

At the same time, Georgia did not receive the status, although it also applied. The European Union recognized Georgia's aspiration to become a member of the EU and decided to grant candidate status after agreeing on certain points. In particular, we are talking about political unity and the implementation of reforms.