(MENAFN) Violent clashes erupted on Saturday in central Tbilisi as protests intensified following the ruling party's declared victory in local elections. Demonstrators stormed the Orbeliani presidential palace grounds, leading to a confrontation with police.

Several dozen protesters breached the palace courtyard before riot police responded with tear gas to push them back. Despite initial dispersal efforts, the crowd made several attempts to force their way into the compound. In response, the Ministry of Internal Affairs deployed additional law enforcement to the scene, escalating the situation.

As tensions mounted, authorities deployed a water cannon and pepper spray to clear protesters gathered outside the palace gates.

The unrest began after the local elections, with opposition groups seizing the moment to demand the reinstatement of Georgia’s suspended European integration efforts. Opposition leaders accuse the ruling Georgian Dream party of backpedaling on these commitments, alleging undue Western interference in the nation’s internal politics.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze previously stated that the Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia party was leading the local elections nationwide, capturing over 70% of the vote, including in Tbilisi. He expressed gratitude to voters, vowing that the government would "justify this trust through hard work."

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