91 years ago was established Democratic Republic of Georgia. 26 of May is the day of republican order of Georgia. Every year, Independence Day of Georgia is celebrated in the main streets of the capital Tbilisi with military parade. But this year it will be different. Current opposition meetings in the central streets create an obstacle for parade.
Political parties holding meetings think that government shouldn’t organize parade. Oppositions explain their position with the current situation in the country. Opposition side thinks that it is not time to show power. Kakha Kukava, secretary general of Conservative Party of Georgia says that on May 26th protesters will be in the central streets ofTbilisi. They will show power of the opposition.
KAKHA KUKAVA “We think that this national day will be very good presentation for our European and western partners to see who is in Georgia, who is in charge of Georgian affairs, Georgian people or Georgian militaries headed by mister Saakashvili”.
But officials think differently. Giorgi Kandelaki, deputy chairman foreign relations committee of parliament, considers necessary celebrating this year’s Independence Day.
GIORGI KANDELAKI: “There will be events around country and I think this year’s Independence Day particularly important because, it gives us opportunity to make step back and put events of last years into perspective and analyze them and what do they mean for history and our statehood in particular”.
Giorgi Kandalaki said that parade will hold. But that time not in rustaveli avenue.
Difference of opinions between authority and opposition is also shown in parade. Sides do not agree with each other. Political expert Ramaz Sakvaralidze thinks, situation is difficult now. He says that after August war in 2008 and because of political crisis government lost its popularity.
RAMAZ SAKVARALIDZE “The Independence Day is the Day when you think, worry and wish the best to your country. This day is important state holiday and government should do maximum to celebrate this day. Traditionally May 26th is organized by government and they take the parade, but at this moment this kind of actions are very risky, because a big concentration of people and soldiers in the streets may bring troubles to the government”.
The official answer of Ministry of Defense is that the military parade will be held, but not in the centre of the city. According to the Ministry of Defense, Independence Day parade will be in the military zone. But at this day central streets will not be without parade. Opposition leaders say that they will make civil parade on Rustaveli Avenue on May 26.
Reportage made by Giorgi Pkhachiashvili, Sabina Akbarova, Vugar Baba
